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D9380D3D7CF5D4B98725837C0050FDA9 Hearing Summary




PUBLIC
BILL SUMMARY For CONSIDERATION OF SUPPLEMENTAL REQUESTS, DEPARTMENT OF HUMAN SERVICES

JOINT COMMITTEE COMMITTEE ON CAPITAL DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE
Date Jan 8, 2019      
Location LSB A



Consideration of Supplemental Requests, Department of Human Services - Committee Discussion Only

07:37:25 AM  

The committee was called to order. A quorum was present. Mr. Tony Gherardini, Deputy Director of Operations, Dr. Robert Werthwein, Director, Office of Behavioral Health, and Mr. Jeremy Hill, Purchasing Director, Department of Human Services (DHS), presented two FY 2018-19 supplemental requests. Committee members received a packet of presentation slides prepared by DHS (Attachment A); a written description of the 42-Bed Expansion, Colorado Mental Health Institute (CMHI) at Pueblo project, prepared by Legislative Council Staff (Attachment B); an e-mail response to a staff question on the Pueblo project (Attachment C); and a written description of the Secure Treatment Facility for Mental Health Restoration project, prepared by Legislative Council Staff (Attachment D). Mr. Hill provided an overview of the department and its bed needs. Dr. Werthwein provided an overview of the 42-Bed Expansion, CMHI at Pueblo supplemental request, and discussed the need to fund the project. Discussion ensued regarding policy issues that are still in flux, the impact of this on DHS capital need, and the populations that are treated by DHS at its facilities. Discussion followed regarding the Secure Treatment Facility for Mental Health Restoration supplemental request, including the youth population currently served at Ridge View Academy.

07:55:55 AM  
Dr. Werthwein responded to questions regarding the number of competency restorations and evaluations being referred to DHS, which drives the 42-Bed Expansion, CMHI at Pueblo project, and the department's interactions with the Office of the State Public Defender to address the rise in referrals. Dr. Werthwein responded to questions regarding the timing of the CMHI at Pueblo project, and the department's plan for civil commitments. Discussion ensued regarding potential policy prescriptions for addressing the number of competency referrals to DHS. Ms. Minna Castillo Cohen, Director of the Office of Children, Youth, and Families for DHS, responded to questions regarding the disposition of the Ridge View Academy population under the Secure Treatment Facility for Mental Health Restoration project, and how the department will communicate with stakeholders as the project goes forward.
08:10:47 AM  

The committee discussed the process by which it is considering the two supplemental requests, and the decision process going forward. Ms. Kori Donaldson, Legislative Council Staff, provided input on the issue. Dr. Werthwein responded to questions regarding the population that will be treated at CMHI Pueblo under the 42-Bed Expansion project, and operating costs associated with the expansion. Discussion ensued regarding the settlement agreement to accommodate competency and restoration referrals within 28 days of the defendant being ready for treatment or evaluation. Dr. Werthwein responded to questions regarding the differing objectives of the two supplemental projects in terms of complying with the settlement agreement.

08:24:50 AM  
Discussion returned to the operating costs associated with the two supplemental projects.






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