Senate Bill No. 120, introduced by Senator Selders, amends the existing law regarding the use of emergency certificates for the formal voluntary admission of individuals in need of immediate mental health care. 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 flexibility in the admission process for individuals who may require urgent mental health treatment.

The bill retains the current requirement that the medical provider executing the emergency certificate must attest that the individual is either unwilling or unable to seek voluntary admission. By incorporating the new language, the legislation acknowledges situations where individuals may be open to voluntary admission, thereby potentially streamlining their access to necessary care. The changes proposed in this bill are set to take effect on August 1, 2025.

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