Funding for Pasco County’s behavioral health receiving system is on the table in both chambers of the Legislature, but discrepancies between the House and Senate proposals will need to be ironed out.
The Senate is proposing $2 million in operational funding for the Pasco County Central Receiving Facility, while the House proposed a $1 million allocation. The system serves adults needing immediate voluntary or involuntary crisis services, including individuals subject to the Baker Act or Marchman Act.
The funding request, sponsored by Palm Harbor Republican Sen. Ed Hooper, would continue support for the Pasco County Behavioral Health Receiving System as a Coordinated Receiving System providing evidence-based crisis services for adults experiencing mental health or substance use emergencies.
Hooper made a similar funding request last year, when he sought funds for waiting area improvements, expanded triage area/admission offices, clear paths of movement between intake and stabilization unit, and secure egress. According to Central Florida Behavioral Health Network records from 2020, a central receiving facility would be used to assess, evaluate, treat and triage persons with mental health or substance use disorders.
Hooper’s funding request describes the facility as operating under a “no wrong door” model, coordinating with law enforcement, area hospitals, first responders and behavioral health transportation providers to route individuals in crisis to appropriate care.
The spending plan includes approximately $1.44 million for 24/7 clinical staffing — two master’s level clinicians, two licensed practical nurses and one administrative support staff member per shift — along with administrative costs, medical supplies and secure transportation between facilities. The facility is expected to serve more than 800 adults annually
The Senate released budget spreadsheets on Friday that provide an early snapshot of priorities ahead of release of the chamber’s full budget proposal later today. The House released its budget proposal Thursday.
The differing proposals set up a funding gap that will be resolved later in Session when lawmakers enter budget conference negotiations. For now, the Senate backs the full $2 million request while the House supports half that amount, illustrating support for the project but leaving the final funding level to be determined as the two chambers reconcile their spending plans.