Bill would improve Nevada’s mental-health system
By Pashtana Usufzy, Las Vegas Review-Journal
The mental health system in Nevada has long been a lightning rod for criticism, with the Silver State consistently ranking at or near the bottom of most national rankings.
But state legislators and health officials say a trio of bills now being drafted would make some small improvements by streamlining licensing of mental health professionals, updating the state’s definition of “mental illness” and making it easier to share information on individuals who have been deemed mentally ill with law enforcement.
Assemblyman James Oscarson, R-Pahrump, said legislators have long heard complaints about the drawn-out process for out-of-state and new applicants to become licensed mental health workers in Nevada.