Bill > S1381

This bill expands the list of professionals who can initiate emergency mental health hospitalizations and strengthens risk assessment protocols. Currently, physicians, advanced practice registered nurses, psychologists, and licensed independent clinical social workers can recommend a person for involuntary hospitalization if they determine the individual poses a serious harm to themselves or others due to mental health issues. This bill adds licensed mental health counselors to that list of authorized professionals, giving them the same authority to evaluate and potentially restrain an individual for a 3-day psychiatric evaluation. The bill also clarifies emergency procedures, such as allowing police officers to initiate hospitalization if no medical professional is available, and emphasizes the importance of communication with healthcare facilities before transporting an individual. The goal is to improve mental health interventions by providing more professionals the ability to assess and respond to potential mental health crises, ultimately aiming to protect individuals who may be at risk of harming themselves or others.

Health and Social Services

https://malegislature.gov/Bills/194/S1381