Committee struggles with definition of mental illness

Art Nadler

Friday, May 22, 1998 | 9:59 a.m.

The Legislative Commission committee reviewing the state's mental illness program has decided not to expand the definition of mental illness to include anyone who is "gravely disabled."

A representative from the state attorney general's office, as well as several legislators, testified in Carson City Thursday in a meeting that was teleconferenced to Las Vegas. The term was thought to be too vague and could possibly threaten people's civil rights.

"Let the AG's (attorney general's) office fight it," a determined Sen. Jack Regan, D-Las Vegas, said.

"The term 'gravely disabled' comes with baggage," Cindy Pyzel of the attorney general's office shot back.

Carlos Brandenburg, administrator of the Division of Mental Hygiene and Mental Health, argued that state mental health facilities would be faced with a whole new population if the definition was changed. He said he would have to increase his staff considerably as a result.

Following a recommendation by Sen. Ray Rawson, R-Las Vegas, the committee decided that the definition of mentally ill persons should be decided through a proposed regulation and submitted to the 1999 Legislature for a vote.

The committee also decided to propose that county health departments, law enforcement and mental health agencies work together to provide mobile crisis units that would go into communities to assist non-institutionalized mentally ill persons. It also was suggested that these units could help administer medication to individuals.

A convalescent leave protocol was approved that would allow people involuntarily committed to a mental health facility to be placed on convalescent or conditional leave for a period of up to six months.

The proposal was suggested to allow patients to be released from a hospital and supervised by a case manager.

But social worker Pat Hines said there were only 434 people in Clark County who currently have case workers, and there are 1,900 people needing service.

"You have too many people who fall between the cracks," Hines said. "We need more case workers."

Some of these recommendations are expected to be submitted to the Legislative Commission and presented to the 1999 Legislature as bill draft requests.