House Resolution 118 - Introduced PAG LIN H.R. ________ S.R. ________ 1 1 HOUSE RESOLUTION NO. 1 2 BY COMMITTEE ON HUMAN RESOURCES 1 3 (SUCCESSOR TO HSB 727) 1 4 A Resolution requesting the legislative council to 1 5 authorize a study committee for the 2008 interim to 1 6 review Iowa's system of mental health patient 1 7 advocates appointed by the courts. 1 8 WHEREAS, the mental health patient advocates 1 9 appointed by the courts provide a valuable service in 1 10 providing a competent, independent review to the court 1 11 of the situations of patients hospitalized with a 1 12 mental illness or serious mental impairment; and 1 13 WHEREAS, the patient advocates are primarily 1 14 appointed by the chief judge of each judicial district 1 15 while the costs for an advocate are paid by the 1 16 patient's county of legal settlement and questions 1 17 have been raised as to whether this is the best 1 18 approach for funding and supporting the patient 1 19 advocates; NOW THEREFORE, 1 20 BE IT RESOLVED BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES, 1 21 That the legislative council is requested to authorize 1 22 a study committee for the 2008 interim to review the 1 23 system for mental health patient advocates in order to 1 24 provide recommendations for the best means for funding 1 25 and supporting the system. 1 26 LSB 6360HV 82 1 27 jp/rj/8