Bill > HB0056

This bill makes several modifications to Utah's civil commitment laws for individuals with mental illness or intellectual disabilities, focusing primarily on improving discharge procedures and patient rights. Specifically, the bill streamlines and standardizes discharge instructions for individuals temporarily or involuntarily committed, requiring local mental health authorities and intermediate care facilities to provide more comprehensive and patient-centered guidance upon release. Key changes include mandating information about crisis hotlines, peer support services, medication changes, and how to contact healthcare providers, while removing some more detailed medical documentation requirements. The bill also introduces flexibility in how discharge instructions are delivered, allowing patients to choose between paper or electronic formats. Additionally, the bill slightly modifies some procedural aspects of commitment processes, such as changing references from "legal holidays" to "state holidays" and giving more discretion to healthcare providers in sharing patient information. The effective date of the bill is set for May 7, 2025, indicating a planned implementation timeline that allows institutions time to prepare for the new requirements. Overall, the bill aims to enhance the transition process and support for individuals after mental health or intellectual disability commitments by providing more meaningful and accessible discharge information.

Health and Social Services

https://le.utah.gov/~2025/bills/static/HB0056.html