State health officials proposing big expansion of mental health services; Bullock yet to weigh in

Sept. 13--HELENA -- State health officials are proposing a two-year, $12 million expansion of services for the mentally ill and mentally disabled in Montana -- but Gov. Steve Bullock hasn't decided yet what he'll support in his final proposed budget.

The proposals, outlined in documents submitted early this month to the governor's budget office, call for adding beds and staff to units at the state hospital in Warm Springs and the state mental health nursing care center in Lewistown.

They also would expand mental health services in communities and make permanent a new group home for patients at the state hospital. All told, the plan would cost $12 million over the next two years and add 83 positions.

A state legislative committee also has been examining mental health services in Montana. Two weeks ago, it recommended several bills to expand those services.

Dan Villa, the governor's budget director, said Friday that Bullock will consider the various proposals while deciding what to include in his next state budget, which is due out Nov. 15.

"Now, the decision point rests with the governor on what he wants to propose to the Legislature and work with them on mental health care," Villa said.

The 2015 Legislature, which convenes in January, will consider Bullock's budget and the proposals it contains.

As the Bullock administration builds its proposed budget for fiscal years 2016 and 2017, state agencies submit new proposals to the governor's budget office for consideration.

The state Department of Public Health and Human Services' proposals on mental health include:

Expanding the forensic wing at the Montana State Hospital. The wing treats patients who've committed crimes or who've had little success in community-based programs. The expansion would cost $3 million in 2017 and add 43.5 positions.

Expanding a unit at the Lewistown nursing-care center for patients with dementia and Alzheimer's disease, at a cost of $2 million in fiscal 2017. It would add 29.2 positions. The center houses people who, for whatever reason, can't be served in private facilities.

Making permanent a group home at the Montana State Hospital that prepares patients to live in a less restrictive setting in the community. It would cost $1 million over two years and have 10 positions.

Increase spending on community mental health services by $6 million over two years.

Villa said the governor is concerned that the state may not have adequate capacity to serve the mentally ill, and has sent staff to state and other facilities, instructing staff to "work with (them) to move the agenda forward on mental health care for Montanans."

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