SB 2225 Summary

• Creates court procedures for guardians to obtain authorization to consent to involuntary treatment of wards with mood stabilizer or antipsychotic medications, requiring clear and convincing evidence and a recommendation from a treating medical professional.

• Establishes that initial involuntary medication treatment orders may not exceed 90 days without court re-authorization, and continuing orders may not exceed the term of the guardianship appointment.

• Requires guardians seeking involuntary medication authority to file petitions with expert examiner reports certifying the medication is clinically appropriate, the ward refused treatment, and medication is the least restrictive intervention.

• Mandates involuntary treatment hearings be held within three business days with the ward afforded opportunity to testify, cross-examine witnesses, and access discovery, with the burden of proof on the petitioner.

• Allows wards to be free from medication effects 24 hours before preliminary or treatment hearings unless the prescriber determines medication is still necessary or discontinuation would impair case preparation.