CS/CS/HB 1045 - Mental Health Bill Summary

• Authorizes continuation of psychotherapeutic medication for individuals receiving such medication in jail before admission to a psychiatric or forensic facility, if abrupt cessation could risk the client's health and safety, for up to 90-day periods following court order.

• Requires mental health experts appointed to evaluate defendants for competency to proceed or sanity to complete forensic evaluator training approved by the Department of Children and Family Services, with mandatory retraining every 5 years to remain on the registry.

• Mandates the Department of Children and Family Services maintain and annually provide courts with a forensic evaluator registry of qualified mental health professionals.

• Establishes 30-day timeframes for competency hearings and commitment hearings to be held after courts receive notification that defendants are competent or no longer meet criteria for continued commitment.

• Standardizes competency evaluation protocols and reporting requirements in juvenile delinquency cases with specific written findings addressing the child's capacity to understand charges, penalties, legal process, and courtroom proceedings; requires training compliance by July 1, 2013.