Bill > SB2706

This bill expands the legal authority of paramedics in Texas to detain individuals experiencing mental health crises for preliminary examination at a mental health facility. Specifically, a paramedic may now detain a person if they are explicitly authorized by their medical director and have a genuine belief that the individual has a mental illness and poses a substantial risk of serious harm to themselves or others, and there is not enough time to obtain a warrant or involve a peace officer. The paramedic must immediately transport the person to the nearest appropriate mental health facility and provide a detailed notification form explaining the reasons for detention, including specific behaviors or acts that led to the belief of imminent risk. The notification must include the paramedic's observations, any reports from credible sources, and details about the potential harm. The mental health facility is required to accept the detention and include the notification in the person's clinical file. The bill defines key terms like "medical director" (a licensed physician supervising emergency medical services) and "paramedic" (a person licensed under Chapter 773), and specifies that this new provision applies only to emergency detentions beginning on or after the effective date of September 1, 2025.

Health and Social Services

https://capitol.texas.gov/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=89R&Bill=SB2706