Senate Bill 630 - Involuntary Commitment Law Revisions

• Creates "commitment examiner" classification to allow certified physicians, psychologists, clinical social workers, nurse practitioners, professional counselors, and addiction specialists to conduct initial involuntary commitment examinations, in addition to physicians and psychologists.

• Requires LME/MCOs to develop community crisis services plans identifying facilities, transportation arrangements, training programs, and coordination procedures for first examinations and custody/transportation of involuntary commitment respondents.

• Establishes procedures for voluntary admission of "incapable" adults (those lacking capacity but not adjudicated incompetent) using advance mental health directives or health care powers of attorney, with 15-day maximum holds and conversion to involuntary commitment if criteria are met.

• Expands health screening requirements at first examination locations and allows first examinations to occur at non-hospital providers, facility-based crisis centers, hospitals, or facilities rather than only area facilities.

• Modifies transportation responsibilities to allow cities/counties to designate non-law enforcement persons or private entities under written transportation agreements, with training requirements for all designated transporters.

• Effective October 1, 2019, except provisions on confidentiality disclosure to sheriffs regarding jail inmates and healthcare provider petitions for incompetency adjudication effective immediately.