HB 5635

Abstract

Amends the Mental Health and Developmental Disabilities Code. Provides that the Illinois Supreme Court or any circuit court of this State may adopt rules permitting the use of video conferencing equipment in any hearing concerning the administration of psychotropic medication or electroconvulsive therapy subject to the following conditions: (1) if the parties, including the respondent, and their attorneys, including the State's Attorney, are at a mental health facility, or some other location to which the respondent may be safely and conveniently transported, and the judge and any court personnel are in another location; or (2) if the respondent and his or her attorney are at a mental health facility or some other location to which the respondent may be safely and conveniently transported, and all of the other participants including the judge are in another location, if, and only if, agreed to by the respondent and the respondent's attorney. Provides that in a hearing concerning the administration of psychotropic medication or electroconvulsive therapy, any court may permit any witness, including a psychiatrist, to testify by video conferencing equipment from any location in the absence of a court rule specifically prohibiting that testimony.