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WV SB742
Bill
AI Summary
- Authorizes hospital staff physicians to order 72-hour involuntary psychiatric holds without first attempting to contact mental hygiene commissioners, magistrates, or circuit judges
- Extends the deadline to file a mental hygiene petition from 24 hours to 72 hours after involuntary hospitalization begins
- Requires physicians to sign a statement attesting the patient poses harm to themselves or others; the West Virginia Supreme Court of Appeals is requested to create a standardized form
- Applies to individuals who are mentally ill or have addiction issues and are likely to cause serious harm if allowed to remain at liberty
- Patients must be released within 72 hours unless further detained through standard mental hygiene proceedings under state law
Legislative Description
Modifying requirements for involuntary hospitalization
Health
Last Action
Completed legislative action
3/14/2026
Committee Referrals
Health & Human Resources2/23/2026
Judiciary2/13/2026
Health and Human Resources2/4/2026
Full Bill Text
No bill text available