DE HB8

Expands the definition of "credentialed mental health screener" to include physicians with valid licenses to practice medicine at United States Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Centers located in Delaware who are credentialed by the Department to provide emergency screening services and evaluation for involuntary observation and treatment for mental conditions.

Amends the definition of "psychiatrist" to include any doctor who has completed an accredited residency training program in psychiatry, rather than limiting the definition to a specific accredited residency program.

Allows Veterans Affairs physicians working in Delaware to hold patients for involuntary observation and treatment of mental conditions, even if they are licensed in other states but permitted by federal law to practice at a VA facility.

Clarifies that psychiatrists from any accredited residency program can act under Delaware's involuntary commitment statutes.