SB1309 Summary

• Requires applications for court-ordered mental health evaluations to include detailed information about the proposed patient's mental health history, treatment compliance, witnesses to concerning behavior, and whether guardianship or powers of attorney documents exist.

• Mandates that screening agencies log receipt times and dates of applications and complete prepetition screening within 48 hours (excluding weekends and holidays), with reasons documented if deadlines are missed.

• Expands consent authority for voluntary inpatient and outpatient evaluations to include the person, their court-appointed guardian with inpatient authority, or designated agents under power of attorney.

• Requires evaluation agencies to solicit and consider information from family members, guardians, and persons with significant relationships to the patient regarding their behavioral history and current behavior.

• Clarifies petition requirements to include names and contact information of witnesses to the proposed patient's behavior and adds consideration of whether chronic resistance to treatment applies.