Bill > HB1977

This bill modifies procedures for civil detention for mental health evaluation and treatment by removing the requirement for notarization on applications and supporting documents when these are completed by peace officers, licensed physicians, mental health professionals, registered professional nurses, or hospital employees acting on behalf of a hospital. Instead, these documents will be subject to penalties for perjury, meaning individuals will declare under oath that the information provided is true. This change aims to streamline the process for initiating civil detention, which can last up to ninety-six hours, by removing a bureaucratic step while still ensuring the accuracy of the information used to determine if someone poses a likelihood of serious harm to themselves or others due to a mental disorder.

Government Affairs, Health and Social Services, Justice

https://house.mo.gov/Bill.aspx?bill=HB1977&year=2026&code=R