HB1356 Summary

• Amends Hawaii Revised Statutes Section 334-59 to add psychiatrists to the list of professionals who may initiate emergency mental health examinations and hospitalization proceedings.

• Requires mental health professionals to refer patients to designated mental health programs or treatment facilities when they are discharged from emergency examination or hospitalization and determined not to be imminently dangerous to themselves or others.

• Specifies that patients subject to assisted community treatment orders must be referred to their designated mental health program rather than a general facility.

• Takes effect upon approval.