The bill aims to clarify the admission criteria for involuntary commitment of individuals who are experiencing mental conditions due to medical conditions. It introduces a new definition of "behavioral health impairment," which refers to significant impairments in emotional processes, conscious control of actions, or perception of reality, particularly when these impairments lead to extremely abnormal behavior that disrupts daily living activities. The bill amends existing laws to specify that individuals can be involuntarily admitted if they pose a clear and present danger to themselves or others due to either a mental illness or a medical condition that results in a behavioral health impairment.

Additionally, the bill modifies the criteria for determining a "clear and present danger" by linking it to the new definitions and ensuring that individuals requiring ongoing mental health treatment are recognized. It also outlines the procedures for immediate confinement in healthcare facilities, emphasizing the rights of the individual and the responsibilities of the treatment staff. Key amendments include the requirement for hospitals to inform patients of their rights, provide evaluations every 24 hours, and ensure that the criteria for determining danger include both mental and medical conditions that lead to behavioral health impairments.

Statutes affected:
Old version HB1169 V2 - 1-30-2025 10:57 AM: 20-47-202, 20-47-207(c)
Old version HB1169 V3 - 2-6-2025 09:04 AM: 20-47-202, 20-47-207(c)
Old version HB1169 V4 - 2-20-2025 11:58 AM: 20-47-202, 20-47-207(c), 20-47-210(c)
Old version HB1169 Original - 1-16-2025 02:53 PM: 20-47-207(c)
HB 1169: 20-47-207(c)
Act 383: 20-47-202, 20-47-207(c), 20-47-210(c)