H.R. 10245
The 9–8–8 and 9–1–1 Integration Act (H.R. 10245) proposes the creation of a panel by the Secretary of Health and Human Services, in consultation with the Attorney General, to develop recommendations for training and protocols for 9–1–1 dispatchers. The goal is to ensure that dispatchers can effectively respond to individuals experiencing mental health crises by connecting them to appropriate crisis care services, rather than defaulting to law enforcement. The panel would include experts such as psychiatrists, emergency medical personnel, law enforcement officers, 9–1–1 and 9–8–8 crisis line representatives, and members from underserved communities. Key areas of focus include integrating the 9–8–8 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline with the 9–1–1 system, establishing standardized assessment tools, and implementing training that emphasizes cultural competency and implicit bias awareness.