The proposed bill would amend current statutes related to emergency admissions for mental health services, specifically sections 36-524 and 36-525 of the Arizona Revised Statutes. It would grant peace or police officers who are employees of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (U.S. VA) the authority to apply for both written and telephonic emergency admission applications. Additionally, it allows these officers to take into custody and transport veterans to screening or evaluation agencies, ensuring that they can act swiftly in emergencies involving veterans.

The bill also includes provisions that require these officers to take reasonable precautions to safeguard premises during apprehensions and protects them from civil liability when they make a good faith effort to follow the prescribed requirements. The language of the bill clarifies the roles of U.S. VA officers in the emergency admission process and emphasizes their authority in handling situations involving veterans, thereby updating the current law to better address the needs of this specific population.

Statutes affected:
Introduced Version: 36-524, 36-525, 36-520, 36-521
Senate Engrossed Version: 36-524, 36-525, 36-520, 36-521