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NCPA Submits Public Comments on IVC and Public Safety to NC General Assembly

As the state considers implementation of Iryna’s Law and broader reforms, NCPA has submitted public comments to the House Select Committee on Involuntary Commitment and Public Safety. These comments were approved by Executive Council on March 23 and emphasize that increasing demand for involuntary commitment evaluations without corresponding investment in treatment capacity, workforce and community-based services risks worsening existing system strain. We recommend a balanced approach focused on:

• Targeting IVC criteria to current clinical risk
• Expanding telepsychiatry options for initial evaluations under Iryna’s Law
• Strengthening behavioral health services within the criminal justice system
• Improving coordination between jails and community providers
• Expanding inpatient and community-based treatment capacity
• Strengthening and appropriately implanting outpatient commitment
• Ensuring continuity of Medicaid coverage