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HOUSE BILL NO. 451
INTRODUCED BY L. BISHOP
A BILL FOR AN ACT ENTITLED: "AN ACT REVISING LAWS RELATED TO SUICIDE PREVENTION TRAINING; REQUIRING THE DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES TO ESTABLISH A STATEWIDE REGISTRY OF SUICIDE PREVENTION TRAINERS; REQUIRING THE STATE SUICIDE PREVENTION COORDINATOR TO ASSIST WITH THE REGISTRY AND COORDINATE WITH THE OTHER TRAINERS; REQUIRING THE REGISTRY INFORMATION BE INCLUDED AS A DIRECTORY IN THE BIENNIAL SUICIDE REDUCTION PLAN; AND AMENDING SECTIONS 53-21-1101 AND 53-21-1102, MCA."
BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF MONTANA:
NEW SECTION. Section 1. Registry of suicide prevention trainers -- qualifications. (1) As part of the suicide prevention program established under 53-21-1101, the department of public health and human services shall establish a statewide registry of individuals in Montana who offer suicide prevention training.
(2) The registry must include contact information for each trainer, be posted on the department's suicide prevention resource website, and be included in the department's biennial suicide reduction plan required in 53-21-1102.
(3) A listing in the registry does not constitute an endorsement by the department.
Section 2. Section 53-21-1101, MCA, is amended to read:
"53-21-1101. Suicide prevention officer -- duties. (1) The department of public health and human services shall implement a suicide prevention program by January 1, 2008. The program must be administered by a suicide prevention officer attached to the office of the director of the department.
(2) The suicide prevention officer shall:
(a) coordinate all suicide prevention activities being conducted by the department, including activities in the addictive and mental disorders division, the health resources division, and the public health and safety division, and coordinate with any suicide prevention activities that are conducted by other state agencies, including the office of the superintendent of public instruction, the department of corrections, the department of military affairs, and the university system;
(b) develop a biennial suicide reduction plan that addresses reducing suicides by Montanans of all ages;
(c) direct a statewide suicide prevention program with activities that include but are not limited to:
(i) conducting statewide public awareness campaigns utilizing both paid and free media and including input from government agencies, school representatives from elementary schools through higher education, mental health advocacy groups, and other relevant nonprofit organizations;
(ii) initiating, in partnership with Montana's tribes and tribal organizations, a public awareness program that is culturally appropriate and that utilizes the modalities best suited for Indian country;
(iii) seeking opportunities for research that will improve understanding of suicide in Montana and provide increased suicide-related services;
(iv) training for medical professionals, military personnel, school personnel, social service providers, and the general public on recognizing the early warning signs of suicidality, depression, and other mental illnesses; and
(v) providing grants to communities or other government, nonprofit, or tribal entities to start new or sustain existing suicide prevention activities.
(3) The suicide prevention officer shall also:
(a) assist the department in identifying individuals in Montana who offer suicide prevention training so that they may be included in the registry established under [section 1]; and
(b) coordinate with trainers listed in the registry so that they may also provide the training described in subsection (2)(c)(iv)."
Section 3. Section 53-21-1102, MCA, is amended to read:
"53-21-1102. Suicide reduction plan. (1) The department of public health and human services shall produce a biennial suicide reduction plan that must be submitted to the legislature as provided in 5-11-210.
(2) The plan must include:
(a) an assessment of both risk and protective factors impacting Montana's suicide rate;
(b) specific activities to reduce suicide;
(c) concrete targets for suicide reduction among various demographic populations, including but not limited to American Indians, veterans, and youth;
(d) measurable outcomes for all activities; and
(e) information on all existing state suicide reduction activities for all state agencies, as well as any known local or tribal suicide reduction activities. The information must include a directory of individuals who offer suicide prevention training as listed in the registry established under [section 1].
(3) Upon the development of a suicide reduction plan draft, the department shall initiate a public comment period of not less than 21 days during which members of mental health advocacy groups and other interested parties may submit comments on and suggestions for the plan. The department shall produce a final plan, which takes public comment into account, no later than 60 days after the close of the comment period. The plan must be published on the department's website and submitted to the appropriate interim committee of the legislature, the director of the department, and the governor."
NEW SECTION. Section 4. Notification to tribal governments. The secretary of state shall send a copy of [this act] to each tribal government located on the seven Montana reservations and to the Little Shell Chippewa tribe.
NEW SECTION. Section 5. Codification instruction. [Section 1] is intended to be codified as an integral part of Title 53, chapter 21, part 11, and the provisions of Title 53, chapter 21, part 11, apply to [section 1].
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451 (HB0451.01)
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