§225g Financing provisions

Summary

Congress set aside money for the District of Columbia’s comprehensive mental health system: $30,000,000 for fiscal year 1988, $24,000,000 for fiscal year 1989, $18,000,000 for fiscal year 1990, and $12,000,000 for fiscal year 1991. Starting October 1, 1987 and each year after, the proper Federal agency must pay the full cost of mental health diagnosis and treatment for certain people: those sent under a federal law or by a federal agency; those held for emergency detention or involuntary commitment after actions or threats against a federal official, on the White House or Capitol grounds, or under chapter 9 of the D.C. Code; and those sent because of a federal criminal case (including for observation, incompetency to stand trial, or not guilty by reason of insanity). That rule covers referrals made before or after November 8, 1984, and does not change the District’s duties under the Interstate Compact on Mental Health. During the service coordination and financial transition periods, the District must gradually take on more of the costs for people not covered above. Capital work at Saint Elizabeths Hospital done during the service coordination period will be paid by both the District and the Federal Government under Public Law 83–472 and subject to section 225b(f)(2). After the required audits under section 225b(f), any unassigned hospital liabilities will be the Federal Government’s responsibility, and the Secretary will audit accrued leave for employees the District takes over so the Federal Government can pay that identified amount. The District may collect other billed mental health costs under law, but the same cost cannot be collected from more than one party. The United States is fully responsible for claims and judgments against Saint Elizabeths Hospital that accrued before October 1, 1987, with special rules for tort claims and the District’s consent for settlements that would create District liability.