This bill amends the New Hampshire Mental Health Services System to authorize a physician, physician associate, or advanced practice registered nurse (APRN) to order seclusion or restraint during a personal safety emergency at hospitals and designated receiving facilities. The bill emphasizes that seclusion or restraint can only be administered by these medical professionals and requires the consent of the individual involved, who must make an informed decision, unless it is an emergency treatment mandated by law or rules established by the commissioner.

The specific legal language changes include the insertion of provisions that allow for seclusion or restraint to be ordered "notwithstanding any state law to the contrary" and clarifying that such actions must be taken "by order of a physician, physician associate, or an APRN." The bill also maintains the existing right to freedom from seclusion or restraint while establishing these new protocols for emergency situations. The act is set to take effect 60 days after its passage.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 135-C:57
SB501 text: 135-C:57