The proposed bill would update current statutes by enhancing the notification process for the release or discharge of court-ordered patients. It would add the guardian of a patient to the list of individuals who must be notified prior to the patient's release or discharge and require the medical director to notify the guardian at least 10 days before the intended release, while also clarifying that the guardian is not required to file a demand for notice. Additionally, the bill removes the requirement that only relatives or victims who have filed a demand for notice are entitled to receive such notifications and shifts the responsibility of determining victim status from the medical director to the court. Moreover, the bill modifies the information required in a demand for notice and establishes procedures for guardians to apply for continued court-ordered treatment, allowing them to request independent evaluations and ensuring that psychiatric examinations accompany these applications. These changes aim to improve the involvement of guardians in the treatment process, ensuring they are adequately informed about the patient's status and treatment decisions, while promoting a more collaborative approach to mental health care.

Statutes affected:
Introduced Version: 36-541.01, 36-543, 13-4517
Senate Engrossed Version: 36-541.01, 36-543, 13-4517
Chaptered Version: 36-541.01, 36-543, 13-4517