Assembly Bill 114 proposes amendments to Wisconsin's emergency detention laws, specifically allowing certain medical and behavioral health clinicians to initiate the emergency detention of minors. The bill creates a new subsection (4r) in statute 51.15, which outlines the process for clinician-initiated detentions, applicable in counties other than Milwaukee County. Clinicians eligible to initiate detentions include psychologists, psychiatrists, psychiatric nurse practitioners, and other licensed mental health professionals. The bill requires county approval for such detentions, which must follow specific criteria, including a crisis assessment by a qualified mental health professional.

Additionally, the bill establishes procedures for custody, transportation, and filing statements of emergency detention. It mandates that counties develop training programs for clinicians on emergency detention procedures and specifies that clinicians must complete this training every two years to maintain their authorization. The bill also includes provisions for liability protection for individuals acting in good faith under these emergency detention procedures and imposes penalties for knowingly providing false information in a statement of emergency detention. Overall, the bill aims to enhance the mental health response for minors in crisis while ensuring proper oversight and accountability.

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