TX HB1656

Authorizes licensed paramedics to detain individuals of any age for emergency mental health evaluation if they have reason to believe the person has mental illness and poses a substantial risk of serious harm to themselves or others requiring immediate restraint

Requires paramedics to be specifically authorized by their employing entity's medical director to conduct emergency detentions under this provision

Mandates immediate transport of detained persons to the nearest appropriate inpatient mental health facility or an alternative facility deemed suitable by the local mental health authority

Requires paramedics to file a standardized notification of detention form with the receiving facility documenting the person's behavior, evidence of mental illness, description of harm risk, and any witnesses who observed or reported concerning behavior

Prohibits mental health facilities and hospital emergency departments from requiring any forms beyond the statutory notification form as a condition for accepting persons detained and transported by paramedics under this section