MS SB2102

Expands the types of professionals authorized to conduct mental health screenings, examinations, and evaluations in commitment proceedings to include licensed certified social workers and licensed professional counselors, in addition to existing physicians, psychologists, nurse practitioners, and physician assistants.

Allows examiners to be appointed in various combinations: two licensed physicians; two licensed nurse practitioners; one physician and one nurse practitioner/psychologist/physician assistant/licensed certified social worker/licensed professional counselor; or one nurse practitioner and one psychologist/physician assistant/licensed certified social worker/licensed professional counselor.

Applies the expanded examiner qualifications to multiple commitment processes including involuntary commitment proceedings, voluntary admissions, emergency care and treatment for alcoholics and drug addicts, and 72-hour emergency holds without court orders.

Maintains existing requirements that examiners complete examinations within 48 hours, conduct physical and mental evaluations, file certificates with the court, and have no family or financial relationships to the person being evaluated.

Effective July 1, 2015.