S 259

Abstract

A BILL TO AMEND SECTION 44-17-410(2) OF THE 1976 CODE, RELATING TO CIRCUMSTANCES UNDER WHICH A PERSON MAY BE ADMITTED TO A PUBLIC OR PRIVATE HOSPITAL, MENTAL HEALTH CLINIC, OR MENTAL HEALTH FACILITY FOR EMERGENCY ADMISSION, TO PROVIDE FOR THE EXTENSION OF A CERTIFICATION BY A PHYSICIAN DURING A NATURAL DISASTER OR LIFE-THREATENING CONDITIONS; AND TO AMEND SECTION 44-17-440 OF THE 1976 CODE, RELATING TO THE CUSTODY AND TRANSPORT OF A PERSON WHO IS BELIEVED TO HAVE A MENTAL ILLNESS AND IS REQUIRING IMMEDIATE CARE, TO PROVIDE THAT A STATE OR LOCAL LAW ENFORCEMENT OFFICER RESPONSIBLE FOR TRANSPORTING THE PATIENT MUST BE A PART OF A THERAPEUTIC TRANSPORT UNIT AND HAVE UNDERGONE MENTAL HEALTH AND CRISIS INTERVENTION TRAINING, AND TO PROVIDE THAT A PHYSICIAN RESPONSIBLE FOR THE PATIENT'S CARE MUST NOTIFY A FRIEND OR RELATIVE THAT THE FRIEND OR RELATIVE MAY TRANSPORT THE PATIENT TO THE MENTAL HEALTH FACILITY AND THAT THE FRIEND OR RELATIVE FREELY CHOOSES TO ASSUME RESPONSIBILITY AND LIABILITY FOR THE TRANSPORT.