The Wisconsin Assembly Committee on Mental Health considered and approved Assembly Bill 633 – Transport for Emergency Detention. The bill would clarify that law enforcement agencies can contract with third parties to transport those in mental health crisis for emergency detention. The committee supported an amendment that requires the Wisconsin Department of Health Services (DHS) to establish criteria for transport companies that aren’t law enforcement agencies or ambulance services to be certified to receive Medicaid reimbursement.
Disability Rights Wisconsin provided testimony regarding the need to establish criteria for agencies that provide transport, to ensure that services are provided in a manner that is humane, accountable and safe. DRW worked with other stakeholders on the amendment. Wisconsin Health News reported on the amended bill.