DIRECTING THE DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH TO TEST THE FEASIBILITY OF IMPLEMENTING A "BEST PRACTICE APPROACH" TO TREATING INDIVIDUALS SUFFERING FROM SCHIZOPHRENIA BY USING ATYPICAL ANTI-PSYCHOTIC MEDICATIONS FOR INDIVIDUALS WHO ARE UNINSURED AND IN TREATMENT IN STATE-FUNDED MENTAL HEALTH INSTITUTIONS OR IN COMMUNITY-BASED MENTAL HEALTH CARE.

WHEREAS, research on the treatment of the seriously and persistently mentally ill has advanced to a point where it is feasible to integrate this knowledge with clinical judgment in the development of practice guidelines; and

WHEREAS, medication treatment not only has a significant impact on the quality of life of patients, but also enhances the effectiveness of other treatments; and

WHEREAS, there is a significant population of seriously and persistently mentally ill persons in New Mexico who do not have behavioral health insurance coverage and therefore have limited or no access to the current atypical anti-psychotic medications; and

WHEREAS, the use of practice guidelines in the use of such medications could improve the quality of treatment and the accountability of medication treatment;

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF NEW MEXICO that the department of health assume responsibility for studying the feasibility of implementing a "best practice approach" to treating persons suffering from schizophrenia by using atypical anti-psychotic medications for those individuals who are uninsured and in treatment in state- funded mental health institutions or in community-based mental health care; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the department of health estimate the census of the population in need of such medications in state-funded mental health institutions and community-based mental health programs, and the potential benefits, resource needs and costs of assuring appropriate access to such medications; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the department of health consult with patient advocacy organizations, relevant psychiatric and primary care communities, the medical assistance division of the human services department and appropriate representatives from law enforcement and the criminal justice system; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the department of health report its progress in this effort to the legislative health and human services committee by October 15, 1999; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that copies of this memorial be sent to the heads of the department of health, patient advocacy organizations, relevant psychiatric and primary care communities, the medical assistance division of the human services department and appropriate law enforcement departments.