HI SB2034

Requires assessment of patients subject to emergency hospitalization who are diagnosed with mental illness or severe substance use disorder and lack decisional capacity to determine if a surrogate or guardian should be appointed to make health care decisions.

Authorizes psychiatrists, emergency room physicians, psychologists, and advanced practice registered nurses with psychiatric certification to determine whether a patient lacks decisional capacity.

Clarifies that advanced practice registered nurses performing emergency examinations must have prescriptive authority and accredited national certification in psychiatric specialization.

Maintains patient rights to contact a guardian, family member, reciprocal beneficiary, or attorney immediately upon emergency admission, with option to waive family notification if adult patient requests.

Effective January 1, 2050.