VT H0903

Authorizes licensed physicians (under 18 V.S.A. § 7504) and psychiatrists (under 18 V.S.A. § 7508) to consider relevant behavioral information about prospective patients from days and weeks prior to examination when evaluating for involuntary mental health treatment

Permits consideration of information from caregivers, family members, friends, peers, school employees, workplace colleagues, treating providers, law enforcement, and other first responders

Prohibits physicians and psychiatrists from relying solely on a prospective patient's presentation at the time of certification or examination to determine if someone meets the definition of "person in need of treatment"

Requires providers to also consider information indicating ongoing risk that may not be observable in a clinical setting, with such information documented in the patient's medical record