AZ HB2742

Amends Arizona Revised Statutes sections 36-520, 36-530, 36-531, and 36-545.06 relating to court-ordered mental health evaluations.

Requires screening agencies to act on evaluation applications within 48 hours (excluding weekends and holidays) and establishes procedures for prepetition screening at applicants' homes or other locations if persons are not presented at the agency.

Specifies that petitions for court-ordered treatment must be filed within 72 hours (excluding weekends and holidays) of hospitalization and establishes a 72-hour release requirement for inpatients unless voluntary treatment is sought or a petition is filed.

Allows medical directors to release evaluated persons within 72 hours and requires written statements explaining why further evaluation or release is appropriate, with copies filed to the court record.

Clarifies county responsibility for court-ordered evaluations ends when the petition is filed, the individual agrees to voluntary treatment, or the individual is released from evaluation.