HI SB961

Modifies the psychiatric examination requirement for assisted community treatment petitions by requiring examinations occur within twenty calendar days prior to filing and allowing valid examinations even if the subject is not fully cooperative.

Removes the requirement that family court hold hearings within ten days of petition filing, instead requiring hearings "as soon as possible" without a specific deadline.

Expands court-appointed counsel protections by requiring public defenders or court-appointed attorneys to represent subjects of assisted community treatment petitions automatically upon filing, with limited ability to withdraw.

Adds a new provision allowing courts to appoint a guardian ad litem to represent the best interests of subjects who fail to appear at hearings after being properly served.

Requires treating providers to track and report to the Department of Health information about MH-1s and hospitalizations of persons under assisted community treatment orders for annual legislative reporting.