Summary of SB 939

• Replaces requirement for two impartial physicians with one court-appointed psychiatrist for psychiatric commitment evaluations, effective July 1, 2019.

• Requires Probate Court to schedule commitment hearings within ten business days of application and provide respondents with appointed counsel if indigent, access to all records, and right to cross-examine the examining psychiatrist.

• Mandates court-appointed psychiatrist to personally examine respondent within ten days of hearing and complete a standardized form addressing dangerousness, need for hospitalization, less restrictive alternatives, and capacity to accept voluntary treatment.

• Requires hospitals to notify involuntarily committed patients annually of their right to a further hearing and provides for court appointment of a psychiatrist to review cases of patients confined for one year without release.

• Establishes compensation for appointed psychiatrists through Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services from state funds rather than Judicial Department budget.