Who
Board of Supervisors in East Bay counties (Alameda, Contra Costa, and Solano)
What
Senate Bill (SB) 43, which was signed into law in October, expands the definition of the term “gravely disabled” for the involuntary detention, treatment, or conservatorship of individuals with behavioral health conditions to include those living with severe substance use disorders.
Out of concern that SB 43 could result in a surge of patients needing services that would challenge our behavioral health care system, Hospital Council advocated within our county health departments to delay implementation. In December 2023, the Board of Supervisors in all three East Bay counties (Alameda, Contra Costa, and Solano) voted to delay implementation until Jan. 1, 2026, in alignment with most Bay Area counties.
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Takeaway/Next Steps
Hospital Council will keep hospitals informed of opportunities to weigh in as counties begin to develop the necessary policies and protocols.