Bill > HB543

This bill modifies Missouri's civil detention procedures for individuals suspected of having a mental disorder that could pose a serious harm to themselves or others. The bill removes the previous requirement for notarization of detention applications and expands the types of individuals who can file such applications, including any adult (who doesn't need to be an attorney), peace officers, licensed physicians, mental health professionals, and registered professional nurses. The bill maintains the existing process for initiating detention, which allows for an ex parte court hearing to determine if there is probable cause to take a person into custody for mental health evaluation and treatment. The detention period remains limited to a maximum of 96 hours unless further detention is authorized. Importantly, the bill now explicitly states that applications and supporting documents can be completed without notarization but must be subject to penalties of perjury. The bill preserves the existing provisions that allow for detention when there is reasonable cause to believe an individual has a mental disorder and presents an imminent likelihood of serious harm, while providing more flexibility in the application process.

Government Affairs, Health and Social Services, Justice

https://house.mo.gov/Bill.aspx?bill=HB543&year=2025&code=R