NC H533

Authorizes commissioned hospital employees in Ashe, Cumberland, and Wilkes Counties to use appropriate and reasonable force to keep respondents at facilities during temporary mental health detention.

Allows hospital employees to return respondents to detention facilities if they escape and are in continuous and immediate pursuit.

Applies only when law enforcement officers determine the respondent is safe for temporary facility detention and vacate the premises.

Covers respondents being temporarily detained under involuntary commitment proceedings as specified in G.S. 122C-261(d), 122C-263(a), and 122C-263(d)(2).

Effective immediately upon becoming law in 2013.