MS SB2994

Amends Section 41-21-67 to prohibit holding mentally ill persons in jail while pending medical treatment or commitment proceedings; requires transport to nearest appropriate medical facility instead.

Clarifies that persons ordered retained as emergency patients pending admission hearings shall not be held in hospitals operated directly by the Department of Mental Health or in jail.

Amends Section 41-4-7 to establish that jail cells are not eligible for certification as county facilities for housing persons involuntarily ordered admitted to treatment centers.

Requires counties with decertified holding facilities to contract with other counties having certified facilities, with costs reimbursed by the home county to the receiving county.

Effective July 1, 2010.