{"data":{"id":"us-dc/d.c.-code-7-1141.06c","jurisdiction":"us-dc","citation":"D.C. Code § 7-1141.06c","heading":"Development of online training materials.","body":"(a)\n(1)\nThe Department shall, in collaboration with relevant stakeholders, including healthcare professionals, legal experts, and community-based organizations, develop a detailed online training module for healthcare professionals of varying disciplines and levels of expertise on the District's voluntary treatment, involuntary hospitalization, and civil commitment laws and procedures, which shall include information on:\n(A)\nDistinctions between voluntary treatment, involuntary hospitalization, and civil commitment;\n(B)\nLegal rights of individuals receiving mental health services;\n(C)\nStep-by-step procedures for initiating an involuntary hospitalization or civil commitment;\n(D)\nCriteria for determining when involuntary hospitalization or civil commitment is warranted;\n(E)\nProtocols for involving law enforcement in a mental health crisis; and\n(F)\nCultural competency and sensitivity training in mental health interactions, including topics related to religion, race or ethnicity, language access, and understanding and respecting diverse cultural backgrounds during mental health assessments.\n(2)\nThe Department shall coordinate with healthcare institutions to integrate the training module into continuing education or other training programs for relevant healthcare workers.\n\n(b)\n(1)\nThe Department shall develop a publicly available online resource to provide information for members of the public on voluntary and involuntary mental health treatment, which shall include information on:\n(A)\nDistinctions between voluntary treatment, involuntary hospitalization, and civil commitment;\n(B)\nAlternatives to involuntary hospitalization or civil commitment, including resources for voluntary treatment;\n(C)\nLegal rights of individuals receiving mental health services;\n(D)\nStep-by-step procedures for initiating an involuntary hospitalization or civil commitment;\n(E)\nCriteria for determining when involuntary hospitalization or civil commitment is warranted;\n(F)\nProtocols for involving law enforcement in a mental health crisis;\n(G)\nInformation on crisis helplines and mental health resources that families can access in case of emergencies; and\n(H)\nInformation on how family and friends can contribute to the ongoing care and recovery of an individual receiving mental health services.\n(2)\nThe Department shall collaborate with mental health professionals, legal experts, community-based organizations, and individuals with lived experience in the development of the online resource.\n(3)\nThe Department shall engage in semiannual public awareness campaigns to promote the availability of the online resource, including by engaging media outlets and online platforms, utilizing social media, partnering with educational institutions and healthcare organizations, educating emergency services personnel, collaborating with government agencies, and actively involving community groups, such as religious organizations, cultural associations, and neighborhood associations.","path":["Title 7. Human Health Care and Safety.","Chapter 11C. Department of Behavioral Health.","Subchapter I. Establishment."],"source_url":"https://code.dccouncil.gov/us/dc/council/code/sections/7-1141.06c","current_through":"2026-08-20 (D.C. Law 26-175)","vintage":"","retrieved_at":"2026-08-29T05:44:07Z","sha256":"946aa618ebb6d3c999808a9ba347700be8a70fbb8a695f81d4c8f8b5b6374b43","source_id":"us-dc","stale":false,"prev":"us-dc/d.c.-code-7-1141.06b","next":"us-dc/d.c.-code-7-1141.07"},"notice":"GroundRules: Original legal text. Not legal advice."}