VT S0250

Allows treating physicians to authorize involuntary psychiatric medication for committed patients in emergency circumstances when an application for involuntary medication has been filed but a court order has not yet been issued.

Requires physicians to inform patients of medication name, dosage, reason, benefits, risks, and their right to refuse before administering; both the facility's medical director and Department medical director must jointly approve.

Limits emergency medication authority to 72 hours initially, with a maximum of 10 days without a court order; facilities must file for an emergency court hearing within 5 business days if medication needs to continue beyond 72 hours.

Defines "emergency circumstance" as situations where the patient poses risk of serious bodily harm to self or others, their condition may cause irreparable harm while awaiting a hearing, and immediate medication is necessary to preserve life or prevent harm.

Grants civil liability immunity to health care professionals and facilities administering medication under this section, unless actions constitute recklessness, gross negligence, or intentional misconduct; effective date is July 1, 2026.