AK SB124

Establishes crisis stabilization centers and crisis residential centers as alternatives to arrest and jail for people experiencing acute behavioral health crises, with maximum stays of 23 hours 59 minutes and 7 days respectively.

Expands who can authorize emergency mental health custody to include health officers, mental health professionals, and physician assistants, not just psychiatrists and physicians.

Requires mental health examination within 3 hours at crisis stabilization centers and within 24 hours at evaluation facilities; establishes court-ordered ex parte procedures for detention when individuals refuse voluntary treatment.

Restricts psychotropic medication administration to involuntary patients to cases consistent with existing law; requires consultation with parents/guardians of minors before medication and court approval for repeated medication during crisis situations.

Guarantees psychiatric patients rights including attorney representation, no photography without consent, access to mail and phones, and notification of parents/guardians before transfer from facilities.