Involuntary hospitalization and treatment.

14LSO-0075.C1

FISCAL NOTE

	FY 2015	FY 2016	FY 2017
NON-ADMINISTRATIVE IMPACT
Anticipated Expenditure Increase:
GENERAL FUND	680,000	680,000	680,000

Source of Expenditure Increase:

Increased length of stay for some patients (from three days to five days) for the time an interested party may file an objection to a hospital determination that conditions justifying involuntary hospitalization of the patient no longer exist.

Assumptions:

In FY 2013, there were approximately 400 involuntary hospitalization (Title 25) cases with a cost of care of $850 per day, per patient.  The proposed bill allows the potential of two extra days (from 3 days to five days) for interested parties to file objections to hospitalization discharge.  Based on the FY 2013 patient count, cost of care per day hospitalized and general care practices, the Wyoming Department of Health (WDH) estimates an increase in hospitalization costs of approximately $680,000 per year (400 patients x 2 extra days of care x $850 per day, per patient for cost of care = $680,000 per year).

Note:  Additional factors to consider for this estimate include the elimination of the ten-day continued emergency detention which currently does not require the 14-81 notice of intent to discharge to the courts as well as the anticipated use of the involuntary outpatient option.  Also, if there is an objection to discharge and a hearing is required, there may be a need for increased lengths of stay of an additional 14 days.

The fiscal impact to the judicial system is indeterminable due to an unknown number of cases.

NOTICE-AGENCY ESTIMATE OF ADMINISTRATIVE IMPACT REQUESTED

This bill has administrative impact that appears to increase (or decrease) duties or responsibilities of one or more state agencies and may impact agency spending or staffing requirements. As introduced, the bill does not modify any state agency budget or current personnel authorizations.

The following state agencies will be asked to provide their estimate of the administrative fiscal impact prior to the first committee meeting held to consider the bill:

Wyoming Department of Health

Wyoming Attorney General's Office

Prepared by:    Michael Swank, LSO                         Phone:  777-7881

(Information provided by Katherine Palmer, Wyoming Department of Health, 777-3690; Kristi Racines, Wyoming Supreme Court, 777-7502; Laura Gorny, Wyoming Attorney General's Office, 777-7840)