Amend OH HB249 to include licensed clinical social workers (LISW) and licensed clinical counselors (LPCC) to be identified through the state as "health officers"

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.

(J) "Health officer" means any public health physician; 
public health nurse; clinical social worker (LISW); clinical counselor (LPCC) or other person authorized or designated by a city or general health district or a board of alcohol, drug addiction, and mental health services to perform the duties of a health officer under this chapter

LISW's and LPCC'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 or professional counselor means investing six to eight years into our education and training. For LSW's and LPC's, Six years are dedicated to acquiring relevant degrees and knowledge on treating mentally ill individuals. While LISW's LPCC'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. In contrast, police officers can write these involuntary holds with a two-week course. The disparity is glaring and problematic.

Amending House Bill 249 can 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 to House Bill 249.

Current bill can be viewed here: House bill 249
and tracked here: Track House Bill 249

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