Bill > HB2512

This bill creates the "Care Before Predictable Harm Act" which establishes a new legal framework for early intervention in mental health treatment in Missouri. The legislation replaces the traditional "imminent danger" standard with a new "predictable harm" standard, allowing courts to order psychiatric evaluations and treatment for individuals with severe mental illness or substance use disorders who are at risk of harm due to untreated conditions. Qualified petitioners, including family members, social workers, and community health professionals, can file a petition for a 96-hour psychiatric evaluation if an individual shows a pattern of homelessness, emergency medical interventions, or inability to care for themselves. The bill emphasizes providing treatment in clinical settings rather than through the criminal justice system, and allows for court-ordered assisted outpatient treatment, which may include therapy, community supports, case management, and long-acting injectable medication. The treatment must be the least restrictive option and administered with careful documentation. The Department of Mental Health is required to establish a statewide network of community mental health clinics to implement these interventions and must submit an annual report to the legislature detailing the implementation, number of petitions, evaluations, and treatment outcomes. The goal is to provide early, humane intervention that prevents serious harm and supports individuals with severe mental illness or substance use disorders.

Government Affairs

https://house.mo.gov/Bill.aspx?bill=HB2512&year=2026&code=R