This bill proposes several updates to the Arizona Revised Statutes regarding mental health services. Notably, it modifies the notification process for guardians and attorneys following a ward's placement, changing the timeline for court hearings on placement appropriateness from three days to a specified timeframe after the attorney's request. Additionally, it clarifies the definition of a "onetime" hospitalization and introduces new procedures for judicial review requests, including the manner in which requests are made and the responsibilities of the medical director of the mental health treatment agency in processing these requests.

Furthermore, the bill establishes new rights for patients receiving court-ordered treatment, including the right to consult with an attorney and the burden of proof for release from treatment. It also specifies the timeline for judicial review, requiring the court to act within five judicial days and allowing for hearings to be scheduled promptly. The bill aims to enhance the legal framework surrounding mental health treatment, ensuring that patients' rights are upheld while also streamlining the judicial review process.

Statutes affected:
Introduced Version: 14-5312.01, 36-546, 36-537, 14-5303, 14-5315