Amend OH HB96 to include licensed clinical social workers (LISW), Independent Marriage and Family Therapist's (IMFT) and licensed clinical counselors (LPCC) to be identified through the state as mental health professionals qualified to write involuntary holds without authorization from the Mental Health County Board. 

To amend section 5122.01 (J) of the Revised Code to make changes to the law regarding involuntary treatment for persons with a mental illness subject to court order.

(A)(1) Any of the following who has reason to believe that a person is a person with a mental illness subject to court order and represents a substantial risk of physical harm to self or others if allowed to remain at liberty pending examination may take the person into custody and may immediately transport the person to a hospital or, notwithstanding section 5119.33 of the Revised Code, to a general hospital not licensed by the department of behavioral health where the person may be held for the period prescribed in this section:

(a) A psychiatrist;

(b) A licensed physician;

(c) A licensed clinical psychologist;

(d) A clinical nurse specialist who is certified as a psychiatric-mental health CNS by the American nurses credentialing center;

(e) A certified nurse practitioner who is certified as a psychiatric-mental health NP by the American nurses credentialing center;

(f) A health officer;

(g) A parole officer;

(h) A police officer;

(i) A sheriff;

(j) A LISW/LPCC/IMFT (requesting addition)

LISW's, LPCC's, and IMFT's are licensed mental health practitioners in Ohio. This means we have the scope of practice that includes treatment and diagnosis of mental disorders. 

Clinical social workers and clinical counselors have extensive education and clinical experience. Our careers encompass the knowledge, therapy, and overall understanding of mental illness.

For the uninitiated, becoming a social worker, professional counselor, or marriage and family therapist means investing six to eight years into our education and training. For LSW's, LPC's, and MFT's Six years are dedicated to acquiring relevant degrees and knowledge on treating mentally ill individuals. While LISW's LPCC's and IMFT's complete six years of education plus an additional two years of supervised clinical mental health case experience, honing our skills and enriching our abilities to provide mental health services. 

We are qualified to initiate an involuntary hold, and it doesn't make sense why we can't without the mental health boards permission. In contrast, police officers can write these involuntary holds with a two-week course. The disparity is glaring and problematic.

Amending Section 5122.10 streamline mental health services and fortify the importance of our skill sets.

By allowing us to write involuntary holds, we could expedite the emergency care process from start to finish making mental health services more efficient and ensure patients are catered for holistically.

 Let's work together to bring about this much-needed change. Sign our petition now to champion this critical amendment House Bill 96.
 

Current bill can be viewed here: https://www.change.org/BecauseItMakesSense

Rep Brett Hillyer 

77 South High Street

Floor 11 

Rep51@ohiohouse.gov

Columbus, OH 43215

Phone: (614) 466-8035

 

Rep Veronica Sims

77 South High Street

10th Floor 

Columbus, OH 43215

Rep33@ohiohouse.gov

Phone: 614-644-6037

 

Behavioral Health Committee

Gail Pavliga 

Rep72@ohiohouse.gov

Andrea White 

Rep36@ohiohouse.gov

Darnell Brewer 

Rep18@ohiohouse.gov

Munira Abdullahi

Rep9@ohiohouse.gov

Rachel Baker 

Rep27@ohiohouse.gov

Sara Carruthers

Rep47@ohiohouse.gov

Sarah Auther 

Rep99@ohiohouse.gov

Michele Grim

Rep43@ohiohouse.gov

Latyna Humphrey 

Rep2@ohiohouse.gov

Susan Manchester 

Rep78@ohiohouse.gov

Tracy Richardson 

Rep86@ohiohouse.gov

Bill Roemer

Rep31@ohiohouse.gov

Brian Stewart 

Rep12@ohiohouse.gov