SB492 Summary

• Amends the Protective Services for Vulnerable Adults Act to expand grounds for involuntary protective services to include self-neglect and financial neglect, in addition to abuse, neglect, and exploitation.

• Authorizes courts to order law enforcement agencies to transport vulnerable adults as necessary for appropriate care, treatment, and residential placement, with transportation expenses reimbursed under existing provisions.

• Clarifies that emergency placement of vulnerable adults cannot be made to psychiatric facilities for acutely mentally ill patients or as an alternative to involuntary commitment, and requires services be provided in age-appropriate settings segregated from dangerous patients or residents.

• Creates the Law Enforcement Behavioral Health Emergency Dispatch Task Force (11 members from state agencies, law enforcement, hospitals, and advocacy organizations) to study and recommend a dispatch system for transporting persons needing mental health or substance abuse inpatient treatment; task force expires July 1, 2012.

• Becomes effective November 1, 2011.