The department may establish and implement, or contract with an outside agency for the development of a multicounty, 24-hour, centralized suicide crisis line integrated network. Existing crisis lines that meet specifications of the department and the American Association of Suicidology may be included in this integrated network. The crisis line established under this section shall link persons at risk of committing suicide with local suicide prevention and treatment resources.

(Added by Stats. 2000, Ch. 93, Sec. 44.5. Effective July 7, 2000.)