Bill > HB2742

This bill amends Arizona's laws regarding court-ordered mental health evaluations to clarify and streamline the process for assessing individuals who may need psychiatric intervention. The bill modifies several key sections of Arizona Revised Statutes to specify timelines and procedures for mental health screenings and evaluations. Specifically, the bill requires that for inpatient evaluations, the filing of a petition for court-ordered treatment must be completed within 72 hours (excluding weekends and holidays), and mandates that the medical director prepare and file such a petition promptly if the evaluation determines the person is a danger to self or others. The bill also adds a new provision specifying that a county's responsibility for a person undergoing a court-ordered evaluation continues until one of three events occurs: the petition for court-ordered treatment is filed, the individual agrees to voluntary treatment, or the individual is released from the evaluation. Additionally, the bill makes minor technical changes to language throughout the existing statutes, such as clarifying grammatical structures and ensuring consistent terminology. These modifications aim to provide more precise guidelines for mental health professionals and legal authorities when dealing with potential involuntary psychiatric evaluations and treatments.

Health and Social Services

https://apps.azleg.gov/BillStatus/BillOverview/83202