CA SB43

Expands the definition of "gravely disabled" under the Lanterman-Petris-Short Act to include persons unable to provide for personal safety or necessary medical care due to severe substance use disorder, co-occurring mental health and substance use disorders, or chronic alcoholism.

Allows counties to defer implementation of these expanded definitions until January 1, 2026 through adoption of a governing body resolution.

Creates hearsay exceptions for conservatorship proceedings by allowing statements from health practitioners in medical records to be admissible when an expert witness relies on them, subject to reliability findings by the court.

Requires the State Department of Health Care Services to report beginning May 1, 2024 on the number of persons admitted or detained for grave disability due to mental health disorders, severe substance use disorders, or both.

Establishes the Lanterman-Petris-Short Act Data and Reporting Oversight Fund, funded by civil money penalties for non-compliance with data reporting requirements, to support oversight activities.