Senate Bill 826 Summary

• Expands the definition of "mental health professional" to include physician assistants, certified nurse practitioners, and clinical nurse specialists-certified, in addition to existing categories.

• Authorizes physician assistants, certified nurse practitioners, and clinical nurse specialists-certified to conduct physical examinations, execute clinical certificates, and provide testimony required for mental health treatment determinations under the Mental Health Code.

• Allows these expanded professional categories to participate in involuntary mental health treatment proceedings, including examinations for hospitalization decisions and assisted outpatient treatment orders.

• Updates references throughout the Mental Health Code to include the new professional categories in sections governing emergency hospitalization, pre-admission screening, court-ordered treatment, and restraint/seclusion authorizations.

• Takes effect 90 days after enactment.