The bill amends the Code of West Virginia regarding the process for involuntary hospitalization, specifically modifying the requirements for such actions. It allows an authorized staff physician to determine the need for a 72-hour involuntary hospitalization without the necessity of first contacting a list of specified individuals. Additionally, the bill increases the deadline for filing a mental hygiene petition from 24 hours to 72 hours following the involuntary hospitalization. This change aims to streamline the process and ensure that individuals who may pose a danger to themselves or others can receive timely treatment.

Furthermore, the bill outlines the responsibilities of authorized staff physicians and hospitals in providing care during the involuntary hospitalization period, including the requirement to document the patient's condition in their health records. It also provides protections for authorized staff physicians and hospitals from liability when acting in good faith within their professional duties. The West Virginia Supreme Court of Appeals is tasked with creating a form for the physician's statement and maintaining an updated list of mental hygiene commissioners and judges to facilitate the process.

Statutes affected:
Introduced Version: 27-5-2a
Committee Substitute: 27-5-2a
Enrolled Committee Substitute: 27-5-2a