The bill amends and reenacts section 25-03.1-26 of the North Dakota Century Code, which pertains to the emergency mental health petition process. Key changes include the requirement for public treatment facilities to immediately accept applications for individuals admitted under section 25-03.1-25, while private facilities may accept them on a provisional basis. The timeframe for the superintendent or director to conduct an examination has been extended from twenty-four hours to seventy-two hours after admission, and the language has been updated to clarify that the examination should occur as medically necessary. Additionally, the bill specifies that if the individual does not meet emergency commitment standards, they must be released, or a petition must be filed with the court.

Further modifications include the replacement of the term "person" with "individual" throughout the text, enhancing clarity in the language. The bill also establishes that upon receiving the petition, a magistrate must set a preliminary hearing date within four days, excluding weekends and holidays, unless certain conditions apply, such as the individual being released or voluntarily admitted for treatment. The magistrate is required to appoint counsel for the respondent if they have not retained one. This legislation is declared an emergency measure, indicating its immediate necessity for implementation.

Statutes affected:
INTRODUCED: 25-03.1-26
Adopted by the Senate Human Services Committee: 25-03.1-26
FIRST ENGROSSMENT: 25-03.1-26
Enrollment: 25-03.1-26