ME LD1416

Requires the Department of Health and Human Services to immediately place defendants committed by courts for mental health observation, care, or treatment into appropriate facilities

Explicitly prohibits placement in county or regional jails for defendants committed to DHHS custody for mental health services, including those with mental illness, intellectual disabilities, or autism

Changes language from "may" to "must" regarding placement in appropriate programs such as mental health institutions, intermediate care facilities, crisis stabilization units, nursing homes, residential care facilities, assisted living facilities, hospices, hospitals, or intensive outpatient treatment programs

Restricts the Commissioner of Health and Human Services from returning high-risk defendants to county or regional jails; transfers for safety reasons may only be to state correctional facilities

Maintains the existing 30-day transfer deadline from when a court order is transmitted to the State Forensic Service, with allowance for delays only due to extraordinary circumstances