HB471 Summary

• Applies only to Pike County and authorizes attending physicians, nurse practitioners, or physician assistants at licensed hospitals to detain and provide emergency treatment to individuals with mental illness for up to 72 hours after executing a certificate documenting the person appears mentally ill and poses danger to themselves or others.

• Requires the treating healthcare provider to send the certificate to the regional mental health provider within 36 hours to facilitate evaluation and determine whether a petition for further treatment is needed under existing state law.

• Authorizes designated law enforcement officers in Pike County to take individuals into protective custody when the officer has reasonable cause to believe the person is mentally ill and poses immediate danger, and transport them to a hospital or treatment facility for evaluation.

• Individuals must be released within 72 hours (excluding weekends and holidays) unless a Pike County Judge of Probate orders further inpatient or outpatient treatment.

• Provides civil and criminal liability immunity to hospitals, healthcare providers, and law enforcement officers acting in good faith under this law, and requires law enforcement to release individuals unless there is legal cause for detention unrelated to their mental condition.