Signed by Governor Michael Dunleavy

Vote Smart's Synopsis:

Vote to amend and pass a bill that establishes an alternative to arrest procedure for persons suffering an acute behavioral crisis and authorizes advanced practice registered nurses and physician's assistants to prescribe psychotropic medication to patients with court-ordered care.

Highlights:

• Authorizes a peace officer to deliver a person to a crisis stabilization center or an evaluation facility as an alternative to arrest if (Sec. 1): 

• The arresting officer believes the person is suffering from an acute behavioral health crisis; and

• The person voluntarily agrees to be taken to a facility. 

• Requires a peace officer who delivers a person to a crisis stabilization center or an evaluation facility to provide contact information so they can be notified of a planned release and inform the person of a crime committed (Sec. 3). 

• Authorizes peace officers to forgo involuntary commitment procedures if an individual is likely to cause immediate serious harm to self or others, take the individual into custody, and deliver them to the nearest crisis stabilization center or evaluation facility for emergency evaluation (Sec. 4).  

• Requires a mental health professional to examine a person delivered to a crisis stabilization center within 24 hours of arrival and in the case of an emergency evaluation, within 3 hours of arrival (Sec. 5).

• Authorizes a licensed physician, physician’s assistant, or advanced practice registered nurse to administer psychotropic medication to a patient without the patient’s informed consent to patients with court-ordered care (Sec. 6).

Full Bill Text