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This session will review mental health policies and their consequences, which impact where and how people with mental illnesses are treated. Lack of follow-through funding has resulted in a lack of resources for this patient population along a continuum of care. Sample solutions to treat mental health patients in an emergent setting will be reviewed as well as statistics of behavioral/mental health visit trends to the emergency department (ED). The ramifications of the increase of this patient type on ED operations and the associated financial repercussions will be discussed. Solutions for behavioral health crisis units (BHCUs) have been independently developed across the United States. Sample projects will be reviewed to convey a variety of solutions to address this issue. These units were evaluated and analyzed with clinicians, architects, interior designers, designers, facility directors, security personal and AHJs. Minimum standards were developed based on this work and are part of the FGI 2022 Guidelines for the Design and Construction of Hospitals and Outpatient Facilities.
Learning Objectives:
Identify the historical and ongoing problem of treating mental health patients in a traditional ED.
