House Bill 206 amends various sections of the Tennessee Code Annotated related to the involuntary commitment and discharge of individuals with mental health issues. The bill stipulates that individuals committed involuntarily cannot be discharged without a review process to determine their eligibility for discharge, as outlined in sections 33-6-602, 33-6-705, and 33-6-706. The chief officer of the facility must notify the committing court if the individual is deemed eligible for discharge, providing a basis for this conclusion and an approved outpatient treatment plan if applicable. This notification process includes informing the individual's counsel, next of kin, relevant district attorneys, and the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation.

Additionally, the bill allows the court to order a hearing within 21 days of receiving the chief officer's notice, ensuring that all parties involved are informed. The amendments also clarify that discharges must conform to the procedures established in section 33-6-708. The changes aim to enhance the oversight and procedural integrity surrounding the discharge of individuals committed for mental health reasons, with the act set to take effect on July 1, 2025.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 33-6-708, 33-6-706