HB 2041 Summary

• Expands voluntary evaluation options for mental health by allowing proposed patients to select a licensed behavioral health provider instead of only using county-designated evaluation agencies.

• Extends the timeframe for completing voluntary evaluations from five to ten days after notice.

• Establishes that persons receiving voluntary evaluations must pay charges on a sliding scale based on ability to pay, with no charges for indigent individuals.

• Requires evaluation agencies to confirm receipt of voluntary evaluations and immediately notify the county if a person fails to appear or complete scheduled voluntary evaluation appointments.

• Adds definitions for "voluntary evaluation" and "licensed behavioral health provider" to clarify which professionals can conduct evaluations under the new provisions.