AZ SB1177

Amends section 36-533 to allow petitions for court-ordered mental health treatment to be accompanied by affidavits from one physician and either one physician assistant experienced in psychiatric matters or one psychiatric and mental health nurse practitioner in counties with populations under 500,000 persons (previously required two physicians).

Modifies section 36-539 to permit psychiatric and mental health nurse practitioners to conduct evaluations and testify at court hearings regarding court-ordered treatment determinations, in addition to physicians.

Requires that evaluating physicians' affidavits be based on each physician's observations and study of information about the patient, with changes to language allowing for testimony from multiple health professional types.

Expands the definition of qualified evaluators to include psychiatric and mental health nurse practitioners in addition to physicians and physician assistants for purposes of mental health evaluations and court proceedings.