HJR69 Alabama 2020 Session

Summary

Primary Sponsor

Randall Shedd

Republican

Session

Regular Session 2020

Title

Crisis Diversion Centers, established, to provide behavioral health crisis services

Summary

The bill authorizes establishing crisis diversion centers in Alabama to provide 24/7 behavioral health crisis services as alternatives to hospitals and criminal justice involvement.

What This Bill Does

It directs the Legislature to establish the first crisis diversion centers in fiscal year 2021. These centers are regional hubs that offer around-the-clock access, walk-in service, and the ability to receive transfers from emergency departments and law enforcement for crisis care. They provide short-term admission, medication management, case management, discharge planning, and referrals to ongoing behavioral health services, with the aim of expanding access and reducing reliance on hospitals and the criminal justice system.

Who It Affects

• Alabama residents experiencing mental health or substance abuse crises, who would have a new 24/7 center-based option for crisis care
• Emergency departments and law enforcement agencies, which can transfer individuals to the crisis diversion centers for crisis care
• Communities across Alabama (urban, suburban, and rural) that would gain centralized, flexible crisis services
• Hospitals and the criminal justice system, which may see reduced use as more crises are diverted to the centers

Key Provisions

• Establish crisis diversion centers in Alabama, with the first centers to be established in fiscal year 2021
• Centers function as regional hubs offering 24/7 access and walk-in availability
• Allow transfers from emergency departments and law enforcement to the crisis diversion centers for crisis care
• Provide services such as short-term admission, medication management, case management, discharge planning, and referrals to ongoing behavioral health care
• Aim to improve access to behavioral health services, divert individuals from emergency rooms and the criminal justice system, and utilize the state’s behavioral health workforce more effectively, while offering a cost-effective alternative to hospitals

AI-generated summary using openai/gpt-5-nano on Feb 22, 2026. May contain errors — refer to the official bill text for accuracy.

Subjects

Resolutions, Legislative