Committee extends Riverside TDO pilot with unanimous vote to continue data collection

Senate Bill 735 (substitute) would extend a pilot program at Riverside Health System's psychiatric emergency department that authorizes specially trained clinicians to perform temporary detention order (TDO) evaluations. Senator Diggs said the pilot eliminated a duplicative second evaluation, sped patients' access to care, and reduced law enforcement time devoted to TDOs (SEG 511-519; SEG 525-531).

Stacy Johnson, president of Riverside Mental Health and Recovery Center, told the committee that in the pilot's first year the facility saw about 6,200 patients and magistrates executed 599 TDOs; only 10 of those patients went to a state hospital, allowing more local treatment (Stacy Johnson, SEG 551-556). Senator Feveau and others moved to report the substitute; the committee voted 13–0 in favor (SEG 581-589).

Supporters said the pilot simplified the TDO process, decreased wait times for people in crisis and reduced law enforcement hours spent on evaluations. The substitute does not change the bill's intent but clarifies language, according to the sponsor.