Bill > SB693

This bill amends the Mental Health Procedures Act to establish a clear duty to warn for qualified professionals when a patient communicates a specific and immediate threat of serious bodily injury against a specifically identified or readily identifiable victim. Under the new provision, if the potential victim is associated with a school or educational institution, the professional must also report the threat through the Safe2Say Program. The bill outlines different warning procedures depending on the number of potential victims: for a single victim, the professional must make reasonable efforts to communicate the threat to the victim and law enforcement, while for multiple victims, the professional must inform law enforcement and may notify potential victims. If the threat involves a potential victim in an educational setting, the professional must also submit a report through Safe2Say. The bill provides protection for qualified professionals, stating they cannot be held civilly or criminally liable for actions taken in good faith while discharging these warning duties. The bill defines terms like "institution of higher education" and "nonpublic school" and will take effect 60 days after enactment.

Health and Social Services

https://www.legis.state.pa.us/cfdocs/billinfo/bill_history.cfm?syear=2025&sind=0&body=S&type=B&bn=693