summary
Introduced
02/05/2026
02/05/2026
In Committee
02/24/2026
02/24/2026
Crossed Over
Passed
Dead
Introduced Session
104th General Assembly
Bill Summary
Amends the Mental Health and Developmental Disabilities Code. Provides that whenever psychotropic medication or electroconvulsive therapy is refused under a specified provision at least once that day, the psychiatrist or advanced practice psychiatric nurse (instead of the physician) shall determine and state in writing the reasons why the recipient did not meet the criteria for the administration of medication or electroconvulsive therapy and whether the recipient meets the standard for administration of psychotropic medication or electroconvulsive therapy under a provision concerning the administration of psychotropic medication and electroconvulsive therapy upon application to a court. Provides that a petition requesting that the court authorize treatment with psychotropic medication shall specify the full names of the medications and anticipated range of dosage that comprise such treatment. Provides that no administration of psychotropic medication or electroconvulsive therapy without the informed consent of the recipient may be authorized unless at least one psychiatrist or advanced practice psychiatric nurse who has examined the recipient testifies in person at the hearing. Makes other changes to definitions and provisions concerning administration of psychotropic medication and electroconvulsive therapy upon application to a court.
AI Summary
This bill modifies the Mental Health and Developmental Disabilities Code to enhance protections and clarify procedures related to court-ordered mental health treatments, specifically psychotropic medication and electroconvulsive therapy (ECT). Key changes include requiring a psychiatrist or advanced practice psychiatric nurse (APRN) to document why a recipient refused medication or ECT and whether they meet the criteria for court-authorized treatment, and mandating that petitions for psychotropic medication specify the exact names and dosage ranges of the drugs. Furthermore, the bill stipulates that court authorization for psychotropic medication or ECT without a recipient's informed consent can only occur if a psychiatrist or APRN who has personally examined the recipient testifies in person at the court hearing. The bill also introduces a definition for "confinement" in a mental health facility, clarifies the definition of "discharge" to include physical release, and adds "neurocognitive disorder" to the definition of mental illness, removing "dementia or Alzheimer's disease" unless accompanied by psychosis. It also updates provisions regarding the filing of petitions and proof of service for admissions, and requires specific training for medical professionals before they can petition the court or testify in these matters.
Committee Categories
Justice
Sponsors (1)
Last Action
Senate Judiciary Committee Hearing (15:30:00 3/4/2026 Room 400) (on 03/04/2026)
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