SB 967 Summary

• Allows probate courts to appoint a special limited conservator to consent to psychiatric medication for defendants in state mental health custody who cannot give informed consent, with authority lasting up to 120 days and renewable for additional 120-day periods.

• Permits probate courts to authorize forced medication for competent defendants who refuse treatment if the hospital head and two physicians determine no less intrusive treatment exists and the untreated condition poses direct threat of harm to the patient or others.

• Allows physicians or senior clinicians to administer medication without consent in medical emergencies when obtaining consent would cause medically harmful delay for critically ill patients.

• Requires special limited conservators to meet with patients and physicians, review medical records, and consider risks, benefits, side effects, patient preferences, religious views, and prognosis before consenting to or refusing medication.

• Protects patients treated by prayer alone according to sincere religious beliefs from involuntary medical treatment unless serious risk of harm exists, and preserves application of conservatorship laws except as specifically modified by this section.