This bill mandates the Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services to create and maintain individualized service plans for individuals adjudicated as not guilty by reason of mental illness (NGRI/MI). Upon admission, a comprehensive psychological evaluation must be conducted by a qualified psychiatrist, and the resulting service plan must be submitted to the court within 45 days. The plan should be developed collaboratively with the individual and their support system, ensuring it addresses public safety and the individual's health. If any part of the plan is disputed, an evidentiary hearing may be held to resolve the matter, and the approved plan will be incorporated into the court's dispositional order.
Additionally, the bill outlines specific requirements for the content and periodic review of these service plans, including the need for clear communication, measurable goals, and adherence to clinical standards. The court is required to conduct regular review hearings, with a minimum of four in the first year and two in subsequent years, to assess the individual's progress and make necessary adjustments to the plan. The Department is tasked with ensuring that all individuals under its supervision have a written service plan in place, which must be filed before the next review hearing, with a deadline set for one year after the bill's effective date of November 1, 2026.