Competency Evaluation Staff

Governor: This enhancement supports recommendations made by a 2014 Joint Legislative Audit and Review Committee report for improving the state hospitals’ ability to keep up with demand for competency evaluations. Funding and FTE staff will allow state hospitals to meet statutory targets, shrink waiting lists and avoid contempt of court by developing adequate data, a service delivery approach, and a staffing model to address the demand for competency evaluations.
House/Senate: The state hospitals have experienced delays in providing timely competency evaluation services to individuals in jails. Chapter 5, Laws of 2015 (SSB 5889) establishes mandatory time limits for these admissions. Funding is provided for 13.4 FTEs to provide competency evaluation services so that the facilities can meet the mandatory time limits established in the act.