MS HB1414

Expands authorized professionals who can conduct mental health screenings, examinations, and evaluations in commitment proceedings to include licensed clinical social workers, licensed marriage and family therapists, and licensed professional counselors, in addition to physicians, psychologists, nurse practitioners, and physician assistants.

Allows these newly authorized professionals to hold persons for up to 72 hours for emergency mental health evaluation without a civil order or warrant when they believe the person poses immediate substantial risk of harm to self or others or is gravely disabled due to mental illness.

Permits these professionals to recommend outpatient commitment as an alternative to inpatient treatment when specific conditions are met regarding the person's mental illness and capacity for safe community survival with supervision.

Authorizes these professionals to serve as one of two examiners appointed by the court to conduct required mental and physical examinations of persons in involuntary commitment proceedings.

Establishes that costs for professional fees of these expanded categories of professionals in commitment proceedings shall not exceed $400.00 total and applies to emergency involuntary commitment proceedings for individuals with alcohol or substance use disorders.