The proposed bill would update current statutes to improve the treatment of incarcerated individuals with mental health issues. Under the new provisions, sheriffs would be required to ensure that any prisoner showing symptoms of a mental disorder is examined by a licensed physician within 24 hours. If the physician finds that the individual poses a danger to themselves or others, or suffers from a serious mental disability, the sheriff must file a petition for evaluation and arrange for transport to an appropriate agency. Additionally, the bill mandates screening for prior mental health diagnoses upon admission to county jails and ensures continuity of care, including uninterrupted medication management.

Moreover, the bill introduces specific timelines and responsibilities for mental health evaluations and treatment plans. Evaluations must occur within 72 hours of a court order for inpatient evaluation, and the Department of Corrections' Medical Director is tasked with managing treatment plans for prisoners with mental health needs. The bill also emphasizes confidentiality during evaluations and mandates that treatment plans be evidence-based and regularly updated. Overall, these updates aim to enhance mental health care for incarcerated individuals, ensuring timely interventions and consistent treatment throughout their confinement.

Statutes affected:
Introduced Version: 31-126, 31-226, 31-226.02, 36-521, 36-501, 31-227