Senate Bill No. 120, introduced by Senator Selders, amends the existing law regarding the use of emergency certificates for formal voluntary admission to mental health treatment facilities. The bill specifically modifies R.S. 28:53(B)(2)(e) to include a new provision that allows for the inclusion of information indicating that a person is willing to seek voluntary admission upon arrival at the treating facility. This addition aims to provide more clarity and options for individuals in need of immediate mental health care.

The current law requires that the medical provider executing the emergency certificate attest that the individual is either unwilling or unable to seek voluntary admission. The proposed amendment enhances this by allowing the possibility that the individual may be willing to pursue voluntary admission, thereby potentially streamlining the admission process for those in crisis. The changes outlined in the bill are set to take effect on August 1, 2025.

Statutes affected:
SB120 Original: 28:53(B)(2)