Guest Column: Indiana Department of Corrections Prioritizes Mental Health Treatment

According to the Indiana Department of Correction, nearly 80% of inmates in Indiana jails have an addiction or mental health condition, and 75% of those who return to prison have a substance use disorder. To help ensure more Hoosiers with mental health conditions receive treatment in hospitals, not jails, I co-authored House Bill 1006.

House Bill 1006 would empower law enforcement to apprehend and transport individuals suffering from a mental illness, or temporary impairment from drugs and alcohol, to the nearest facility providing mental health treatment. Sending Hoosier to these facilities can help provide them with a better chance at recovery by connecting them with the resources they need, and hopefully help them stay out of the criminal justice system.

This proposed legislation would also protect individuals from being released from a mental health facility or hospital due to an inability to pay. One of the main reasons individuals suffering from mental illness end up in jail is because hospitals often assume the costs of care for those who can’t afford it, and it’s a liability issue for the facility. This often leaves arresting officers two choices. They can take the individual to a hospital for treatment, which would often let them out the next day, or place them under arrest.

Through this legislation, insurance and Medicaid could be used to pay for mental health treatment, ensuring hospitals receive payment and the individual receives help. House Bill 1006 also includes liability protections for law enforcement officers, hospitals and treatment centers that are trying to help affected individuals.

This legislation continues to build on our state’s efforts to connect more Hoosiers to critical mental health resources while maintaining public safety. Our hardworking law enforcement officers routinely deal with these issues and overcrowded jails, and this legislation will provide another option to get people the help they need.

House Bill 1006 recently passed unanimously out of the Indiana House of Representatives and now moves to the Senate for further consideration. We’ll also look to ensure that we are investing in expanding mental health options in the state’s proposed budget, which should begin moving through the legislative process in the coming weeks.

As the legislative session moves forward, I’ll continue providing updates on what’s happening at the Statehouse, and I encourage you to sign up to receive my e-newsletters by visiting in.gov/h88. You can also reach out with questions or input on these topics and others by contacting me at [email protected] or (317) 234-0931.

State Rep. Chris Jeter (R-Fishers) represents House District 88, which includes portions of Hamilton, Hancock, Madison and Marion counties.