WV HB5003

Authorized staff physicians may order involuntary hospitalization without first attempting to contact a mental hygiene commissioner, magistrate, or circuit judge, removing the prior requirement that these officials be unavailable before a physician can act

Extends the deadline for filing a mental hygiene petition from 24 hours to 72 hours after involuntary hospitalization, and only requires filing if the physician believes treatment beyond 72 hours is needed

Patients involuntarily hospitalized must be released within 72 hours unless further detained through proper legal proceedings under existing mental hygiene law

Hospitals and physicians acting in good faith under this section are protected from liability when performing duties within the scope of their professional responsibilities and consistent with standard of care

Amends West Virginia Code §27-5-2a governing the process for involuntary hospitalization of individuals who are mentally ill or have addiction and pose a risk of serious harm to themselves or others