HB 1277 Summary

• Removes requirement that law enforcement officers must first try less restrictive means before taking a person into custody for involuntary examination.

• Eliminates requirement that involuntary examination orders become part of a patient's clinical record and deletes prohibition on filing fees for such orders.

• Requires law enforcement officers to execute written reports detailing custody circumstances when initiating involuntary examinations, to be sent to the Agency for Health Care Administration.

• Prohibits discharge or placement of involuntary and voluntary mental health patients to homeless shelters; requires discharge to settings meeting the patient's clinical needs and reducing risk of readmission, incarceration, or homelessness.

• Directs the Department of Health Care Administration to adopt rules addressing discharge planning requirements with goals of reducing readmissions, incarcerations, and homelessness; effective July 1, 2013.