Bill > H1818

This bill expands the authority of certain mental health professionals and police officers to initiate temporary involuntary hospitalization for individuals who pose a likelihood of serious harm due to mental illness. Specifically, it allows licensed physicians, qualified psychiatric nurse mental health clinical specialists, licensed psychologists, and licensed independent clinical social workers, after examining a person or, in emergencies, based on facts and circumstances, to restrain and apply for a 3-day hospitalization if they believe failing to do so would create a likelihood of serious harm. In situations where these professionals are unavailable, police officers who believe a person's mental illness presents a likelihood of serious harm can also restrain and apply for such hospitalization. The bill also clarifies that the authorization to restrain a person under these circumstances expires after 12 hours and cannot be renewed, and requires applicants to communicate with a facility beforehand to ensure it's the appropriate place for admission and to discuss any necessary restraints.