Senate Bill 109 proposes amendments to Wisconsin's emergency detention laws, specifically allowing certain medical and behavioral health clinicians to initiate the emergency detention of minors. This bill creates a new process for clinician-initiated detentions in counties outside of Milwaukee, where such procedures are already established. The bill outlines that clinicians, including psychologists, psychiatrists, and other licensed mental health professionals, must be authorized by their county to initiate detentions. The process requires county approval, which includes a crisis assessment by a qualified mental health professional, and mandates that the clinician's determination of the need for detention is based on specific criteria regarding the minor's mental health status and potential danger to themselves or others.

Additionally, the bill includes provisions for the custody and transportation of minors once a detention is approved, stipulating that the county department is responsible for arranging transportation to a treatment facility. It also establishes requirements for filing a statement of emergency detention and outlines liability protections for individuals acting in good faith under these procedures. The bill emphasizes the need for counties that opt to allow clinician-initiated detentions to develop training programs for clinicians, ensuring they are well-versed in the emergency detention process. Overall, this legislation aims to enhance the mental health response for minors while maintaining necessary safeguards and accountability.

Statutes affected:
Bill Text: 51.15(3), 51.15