Bill > H0919

This bill requires the Agency for Persons with Disabilities (APD) to ensure that individuals who are involuntarily admitted to residential services are regularly reviewed to determine if their continued placement is appropriate and if they are receiving adequate care. Specifically, APD must hire or contract with a qualified evaluator, defined as a psychiatrist or psychologist with expertise in intellectual disabilities, to conduct an annual review of each person's status, assessing if they still meet the criteria for involuntary admission and if the residential setting is the most suitable and least restrictive option. These reviews, along with notice of court hearings, must be provided to the state attorney, the person's attorney, and their guardian or guardian advocate. The court will then hold a hearing annually to review the evaluator's findings and decide on the continued involuntary placement. The bill also includes an appropriation of $623,200 for the 2016-2017 fiscal year to implement these changes.