CA AB2899

Extends involuntary mental health commitment duration beyond the current 14-day maximum to a longer period as determined by professional staff evaluating the patient.

Applies to persons detained for 72 hours under the Lanterman-Petris-Short Act who are found to be a danger to self, danger to others, or gravely disabled due to mental illness or chronic alcoholism.

Retains existing conditions for commitment including that the person has been advised of but refused voluntary treatment and that professional staff have analyzed their condition.

Makes gender-neutral language updates to the statute, replacing "he or she" with "the person" and "himself or herself" with "self."

Clarifies that a person is not considered gravely disabled if they can survive safely with voluntary assistance from willing and able family, friends, or others.