HB1003

HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

H.B. NO.

1003

THIRTY-THIRD LEGISLATURE, 2025

STATE OF HAWAII

A BILL FOR AN ACT

RELATING TO MENTAL HEALTH.

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF HAWAII:

SECTION 1. The legislature finds that Hawaii's mental health laws provide the State with a variety of methods to help and support individuals suffering from mental illness or substance abuse. As the number of individuals in need of help increases, so has the need to enhance these laws in a manner that demystifies the complexities of existing procedures, clarifies the circumstances under which action can be taken, and bolsters available tools to best serve these individuals. Legal mechanisms, such as emergency procedures, involuntary hospitalization, assisted community treatment, and authorization for the administration of treatment, enables the State and mental health providers to provide compassionate assistance to individuals suffering from mental illness or substance abuse when they need it the most.

Accordingly, the purpose of this Act is to clarify, update, and revise Hawaii's mental health laws by:

(1) Clarifying the procedures and expanding on the circumstances available from initial contact with an individual suffering from mental illness or substance abuse to emergency transportation, examination, and hospitalization of the individual;

(2) Establishing liability limits for state and local governments and healthcare professionals under certain circumstances arising from emergency procedures;

(3) Expanding the notice requirements when an emergency hospitalization occurs to include an individual's healthcare surrogate, as well as clarifying when the individual can waive notice to the individual's family members;

(4) Removing the authority of the family court to appoint a legal guardian or conservator in a proceeding for involuntary hospitalization, thereby leaving appointments for legal guardians or conservators subject to the requirements of chapter 560, article V, Hawaii Revised Statutes;

(5) Removing the requirement that psychiatric facilities wait for responses from interested parties to a notice of intent to discharge a patient under involuntary hospitalization prior to discharging the patient;

(6) Clarifying the circumstances under which a subject of an order for assisted community treatment can be administered medication over the subject's objection;

(7) Providing limits on liability for an assisted community treatment provider; and

(8) Modifying the requirements to obtain administrative authorization of medical treatment over the objection of a patient who is in the custody of the director and in a psychiatric facility, so that the treatment can be authorized by a single decision-maker who is a psychiatrist.

SECTION 2. Chapter 334, Hawaii Revised Statutes, is amended as follows:

1. By adding to part IV a new subpart to be designated as subpart A and to read:

"A. Emergency Procedures

§334-A. Emergency procedures. The emergency procedures in this subpart shall consist of emergency transportation, emergency examination, and emergency hospitalization for individuals who may be mentally ill or suffering from substance abuse and imminently dangerous to self or others.

§334-B Emergency transportation initiated by a law enforcement officer. (a) When a law enforcement officer has a reasonable suspicion that an individual is imminently dangerous to self or others and needs to be detained for emergency examination, the law enforcement officer shall contact a mental health emergency worker; provided that the law enforcement officer may temporarily detain the individual, if the law enforcement officer:

(1) Is unable to reach a mental health emergency worker telephonically after three attempts;

(2) Has reason to believe that the situation requires immediate intervention to prevent harm to the individual or others;

(3) Contacts a mental health emergency worker at the earliest time possible; and

(4) Documents the reasons why the situation necessitated that the individual be detained.

If the mental health emergency worker determines that the individual is mentally ill or suffering from substance abuse and is imminently dangerous to self or others, the law enforcement officer shall detain the individual for transportation to an emergency examination.

(b) When a crisis intervention officer has probable cause to believe that an individual is mentally ill or suffering from substance abuse and is imminently dangerous to self or others, the crisis intervention officer shall detain the individual for transportation to an emergency examination. The crisis intervention officer shall contact a mental health emergency worker to determine the type of facility where the individual shall be transported.

(c) Any individual detained under this section shall be transported directly to a psychiatric facility or other facility designated by the director, as determined by a mental health emergency worker. A law enforcement officer shall make an application for the emergency examination of the individual. The application shall state in detail the circumstances under which and reasons that the individual was taken into custody. The application shall be transmitted with the individual to the psychiatric facility or other facility designated by the director and be made a part of the individual's clinical record.

(d) As used in this section, unless the context otherwise requires, "crisis intervention officer" has the same meaning as in section 353C-1."

§334-C Emergency transportation initiated by a court order. Upon written or oral application of any licensed physician, advanced practice registered nurse, psychologist, attorney, member of the clergy, health or social service professional, or any state or county employee in the course of employment, a judge may issue a written or oral ex parte order:

(1) Stating that there is probable cause that the individual is:

(A) Mentally ill or suffering from substance abuse; and

(B) Imminently dangerous to self or others;

(2) Stating the findings upon which the conclusion is based; and

(3) Directing that a law enforcement officer take the individual into custody and transport the individual directly to a psychiatric facility or other facility designated by the director for an emergency examination.

If an application was made orally, the person who made the application shall reduce the application to writing and submit it to the judge who issued the ex parte order by noon of the next court day after the order was issued. The written application shall be made under penalty of law but need not be sworn before a notary public. If the judge issued an ex parte order orally, the judge shall reduce the oral order to writing by the close of the next court day after the order was issued. The written ex parte order shall be transmitted with the individual to the psychiatric facility or other facility designated by the director and be made a part of the individual's clinical record.

§334-D Emergency transportation initiated by a health care provider. Any licensed physician, advanced practice registered nurse, physician assistant, licensed clinical social worker, or psychologist who has examined an individual and determines that the individual is mentally ill or suffering from substance abuse and is imminently dangerous to self or others, may direct a law enforcement officer to detain and transport the individual, by ambulance or other suitable means, to a psychiatric facility or other facility designated by the director for an emergency examination, and may administer treatment, within the examining health care provider's scope of practice, as necessary for the individual's safe transportation. The examining health care provider shall provide a written statement of circumstances and reasons necessitating the emergency examination. The written statement shall be transmitted with the individual to the psychiatric facility or other facility designated by the director and be made a part of the individual's clinical record.[Underlined: ]

§334-E Emergency examination. (a) A licensed physician, medical resident under the supervision of a licensed physician, or advanced practice registered nurse may conduct an initial examination and screening of the patient, and administer such treatment as indicated by good medical practice; provided that the patient is further examined by a qualified psychiatric examiner. A qualified psychiatric examiner shall conduct an emergency examination of a patient transported under section 334-B, 334-C, or 334-D without unnecessary delay and provide the patient with treatment, as is indicated by good medical practice; provided that the emergency examination shall include a screening to determine whether the patient meets the criteria for involuntary hospitalization as provided in section 334-60.2.

(b) If, following an emergency examination of a patient under subsection (a), a qualified psychiatric examiner determines that the criteria for involuntary hospitalization do not exist, the patient shall be discharged expeditiously; provided that if the patient is not under an order for assisted community treatment, a qualified psychiatric examiner shall conduct an examination pursuant to section 334-121.5 before the discharge. A patient under criminal charges shall be returned to the custody of a law enforcement officer.

§334-F Emergency hospitalization. (a) If, following an emergency examination pursuant to section 334-E(a), a qualified psychiatric examiner determines that the criteria for involuntary hospitalization exist, the patient shall be hospitalized on an emergency basis or be transferred to another psychiatric facility or other facility designated by the director for emergency hospitalization.

(b) The patient admitted under subsection (a) shall be released within seventy-two hours of the patient's admission to a psychiatric facility or other facility designated by the director, unless:

(1) The patient voluntarily agrees to further hospitalization, or

(2) A proceeding for court-ordered evaluation or hospitalization is initiated as provided in section 334-60.3. If that time expires on a Saturday, Sunday, or holiday, the time for initiation is extended to the close of the next court day. Upon initiation of the proceeding the facility may detain the patient until further order of the court.

(c) If at any time during the period of emergency hospitalization a qualified psychiatric examiner determines that a patient no longer meets the criteria for emergency hospitalization, the patient shall be discharged expeditiously; provided that if the patient is not under an order for assisted community treatment, a qualified psychiatric examiner shall conduct an examination pursuant to section 334-121.5 before the discharge. A patient under criminal charges shall be returned to the custody of a law enforcement officer.

(d) The patient shall have the right, immediately upon emergency hospitalization, to telephone an attorney and the patient's surrogate, guardian, family member including a reciprocal beneficiary, or adult friend. The patient shall be allowed to confer with an attorney in private.

§334-G Notice of emergency transportation, examination, and hospitalization. Notice of an individual's emergency transportation, examination, and hospitalization under this subpart may be given to at least one of the following persons in the following order of priority: the individual's spouse or reciprocal beneficiary, legal parents, adult children, surrogate, legal guardian, or if none can be found, the closest adult relative, as long as the individual:

(1) Has capacity to make health care decisions and consents that notice may be given to at least one of persons listed in this section;

(2) Is given the opportunity to object and does not object, or the health care provider can reasonably infer from the circumstances based on the exercise of professional judgment that the individual does not object; or

(3) Is incapacitated or an emergency circumstance exists, and the health care provider determines based on the exercise of professional judgment that giving notification is in the best interest of the individual.

The staff of the facility shall make reasonable efforts to ensure that the patient's family, including a reciprocal beneficiary, is notified of the emergency hospitalization, unless the patient is an adult and waives notification.

§334-H Immunity from liability. The State, any county, any private sector or nonprofit organization, and, except in cases of willful misconduct, gross negligence, or recklessness, any state or county employee, health care provider, or mental health professional shall not be held civilly liable, either personally or in their official capacity, for the death of or injury to the individual, claim for damage to or loss of property, or other civil liability as the result of any act or omission in the course of the employment or duties under this subpart."

2. By designating section 334-60.1 as subpart B and inserting a title before section 334-60.1 to read:

"[Underlined: B. Voluntary Admission]"

3. By designating section 334-60.2 to 334-60.7 as subpart C and inserting a title before section 334-60.2 to read:

"[Underlined: C. Involuntary Hospitalization]"

4. By designating section 334-61 to 334-62 as subpart D and inserting a title before section 334-61 to read:

"[Underlined: D. General Provisions]"

SECTION 3. Chapter 334, Hawaii Revised Statutes, is amended by adding to part VIII a new section to be appropriately designated and to read as follows:

"[Underlined: §334- ] [Underlined: Records and disclosure of information.] [Underlined: (a) A treatment provider who provided or is providing medical, psychiatric, therapeutic, or social services treatment to an individual shall provide relevant treatment information, if available, to the department of the attorney general upon the department's request for the purpose of preparing a petition for assisted community treatment. The treatment information may include a certificate issued pursuant to section 334-123(b), a treatment plan prepared pursuant to section 334-126(g), records related to actions or proceedings pursuant to part IV of this chapter, records relating to the individual's treatment history, and other records deemed relevant by the individual's treatment provider.]

[Underlined: (b) The petitioner of an assisted community treatment order, the department of the attorney general, and the family court shall disclose an assisted community treatment order of a subject of the order to state and county law enforcement agencies, assisted community treatment provider, or any other entity necessary to carry out the terms of the subject's assisted community treatment order.]"

SECTION 4. Section 334-1, Hawaii Revised Statutes, is amended to read as follows:

1. By adding two new definitions to be appropriately inserted and to read:

"[Underlined: "Qualified psychiatric examiner" means a licensed psychiatrist or advanced practice registered nurse who has prescriptive authority and who holds an accredited national certification in an advanced practice registered nurse psychiatric specialization.]

[Underlined: "Surrogate" means a person appointed:]

[Underlined: (1)] [Underlined: Under a power of attorney for health care to make a health-care decision for the individual who made the appointment; or]

[Underlined: (2)] [Underlined: Under law or court order to make health-care decisions for an individual.]"

2. By amending the definition of "patient" to read:

""Patient" means [[Struck through: a person]] [Underlined: an individual] under observation, care, or treatment at a psychiatric facility[[Struck through: .]] [Underlined: or other facility designated by the director.]"

3. By amending the definition of "treatment" to read:

""Treatment" means the broad range of emergency, out-patient, intermediate, domiciliary, and inpatient services and care, including diagnostic evaluation, medical, psychiatric, psychological, and social service care, vocational rehabilitation, [Underlined: psychosocial rehabilitation,] career counseling, and other special services [[Struck through: which]] [Underlined: that] may be extended to [[Struck through: handicapped persons.]] [Underlined: an individual with a disability.]"

SECTION 5. Section 334-60.2, Hawaii Revised Statutes, is amended to read as follows:

"§334-60.2 Involuntary hospitalization criteria. [[Struck through: A person]] [Underlined: An individual] may be committed to a psychiatric facility for involuntary hospitalization, if the court finds:

(1) That the [[Struck through: person]] [Underlined: individual] is mentally ill or suffering from substance abuse;

(2) That the [[Struck through: person]] [Underlined: individual] is imminently dangerous to self or others; and

(3) That the [[Struck through: person]] [Underlined: individual] is in need of care or treatment, or both, and there is no suitable alternative available through existing facilities and programs which would be less restrictive than hospitalization."

SECTION 6. Section 334-60.3, Hawaii Revised Statutes, is amended to read as follows:

"§334-60.3 Initiation of proceeding for involuntary hospitalization. (a) Any person may file a petition alleging that [[Struck through: a person located in the county]] [Underlined: an individual] meets the criteria for commitment to a psychiatric facility[[Struck through: .]] [Underlined: as provided in section 334-60.2.] The petition shall be [Underlined: filed in the county where the individual resides and] executed subject to the penalties of [[Struck through: perjury]] [Underlined: law] but need not be sworn to before a notary public. The [a[Struck through: ttorney general, the attorney general's deputy, special deputy, or appointee designated to present the case]] [Underlined: department of the attorney general] shall assist the petitioner to state the substance of the petition in plain and simple language. The petition may be accompanied by a certificate of the [[Struck through: licensed physician, advanced practice registered nurse,]] [Underlined: qualified psychiatric examiner] or psychologist who has examined the [[Struck through: person]] [Underlined: individual] within two days before [[Struck through: submission of]] the petition[[Struck through: ,]] [Underlined: is filed,] unless the [[Struck through: person]] [Underlined: individual] whose commitment is sought has refused to submit to medical or psychological examination, in which case the fact of refusal shall be alleged in the petition. The certificate shall set forth the signs and symptoms relied upon by the [[Struck through: physician, advanced practice registered nurse,]] [Underlined: qualified psychiatric examiner] or psychologist to determine the [[Struck through: person]] [Underlined: individual] is in need of [[Struck through: care or]] treatment[[Struck through: , or both,]] and whether the [[Struck through: person]] individual is capable of realizing and making a rational decision with respect to the [[Struck through: person's]] [Underlined: individual's] need for treatment. If the petitioner believes that further [[Struck through: evaluation]] [Underlined: examination] is necessary before commitment, the petitioner may request [[Struck through: such]] [Underlined: the] further [[Struck through: evaluation.]] [Underlined: examination.]

(b) In the event the subject of the petition has been given an examination, evaluation, or treatment in a psychiatric facility within five days before submission of the petition, and hospitalization is recommended by the staff of the facility, the petition may be accompanied by the administrator's certificate in lieu of a [[Struck through: physician]] [Underlined: qualified psychiatric examiner's] or psychologist's certificate.

(c) The petition shall include the name, address, and telephone number of at least one of the following persons in the following order of priority: the subject of the petition's spouse or reciprocal beneficiary, legal parents, adult children, [Underlined: surrogate,] and legal guardian [[Struck through: , if one has been appointed]]. If the subject of the petition has no living spouse or reciprocal beneficiary, legal parent, adult [[Struck through: children,]] [Underlined: child, surrogate,] or legal guardian, [[Struck through: or if none can be found,]] notice shall be served on at least one of the subject's closest adult relatives, if any can be found."

SECTION 7. Section 334-60.4, Hawaii Revised Statutes, is amended by amending subsections (a) to (c) to read as follows:

"(a) The court shall set a hearing on the petition and notice of the time and place of the hearing shall be served in accordance with, and to those persons specified in, a current order of commitment. If there is no current order of commitment, notice of the hearing shall be served personally on the subject of the petition and served personally or by certified or registered mail, return receipt requested, deliverable to the addressee only, on the subject's spouse or reciprocal beneficiary, legal parents, adult children, [Underlined: surrogate,] and legal guardian[[Struck through: , if one has been appointed]]. If the subject of the petition has no living spouse or reciprocal beneficiary, legal parent, adult [[Struck through: children,]] [Underlined: child, surrogate,] or legal guardian, or if none can be found, notice of the hearing shall be served on at least one of the subject's closest adult relatives, if any can be found. [Underlined: Notice of the hearing to the subject's spouse or reciprocal beneficiary, legal parents, adult children, or closest adult relative may be waived if the subject is an adult and requests that they not be notified.] Notice of the hearing shall also be served on the public defender, attorney for the subject of the petition, or other court-appointed attorney [[Struck through: as the case may be]]. If the subject of the petition is a minor, notice of the hearing shall also be served upon the person who has had the principal care and custody of the minor during the sixty days preceding the date of the petition[Underlined: ,] if that person can be found within the State. Notice shall also be given to other persons as the court may designate.

(b) The notice shall include the following:

(1) The date, time, place of hearing, a clear statement of the purpose of the proceedings and of possible consequences to the subject[[Struck through: ;]] [Underlined: of the petition,] and a statement of the legal standard upon which commitment is authorized;

(2) A copy of the petition;

(3) A [[Struck through: written notice,]] [Underlined: statement,] in plain and simple language, that the subject may waive the hearing by voluntarily agreeing to hospitalization[[Struck through: ,]] or[Underlined: ,] with the approval of the court, to some other form of treatment;

(4) A filled-out form indicating [[Struck through: such]] [Underlined: the] waiver;

(5) A [[Struck through: written notice,]] [Underlined: statement,] in plain and simple language, that the subject or the subject's [Underlined: surrogate,] guardian[Underlined: ,] or representative may apply at any time for a hearing on the issue of the subject's need for hospitalization, if the subject has previously waived such a hearing;

(6) [[Struck through: Notice]] [Underlined: A statement] that the subject is entitled to the assistance of an attorney and that the public defender has been notified of these proceedings; [Underlined: and]

(7) [[Struck through: Notice]] [Underlined: A statement] that if the subject does not want to be represented by the public defender, the subject may contact the subject's own attorney.[[Struck through: ; and]

[Struck through: (8)] [Struck through: If applicable, notice that the petitioner intends to adduce evidence to show that the subject of the petition is an incapacitated or protected person, or both, under article V of chapter 560, and whether appointment of a guardian is sought at the hearing. If appointment of a guardian is to be recommended, and a nominee is known at the time the petition is filed, the identity of the nominee shall be disclosed.]]

(c) If the subject [Underlined: of the petition] executes and files a waiver of the hearing, upon acceptance by the court following a court determination that the [[Struck through: person]] [Underlined: subject] understands the [[Struck through: person's]] [Underlined: subject's] rights and is competent to waive them, the court shall order the subject to be committed to a facility that has agreed to admit the subject as an involuntary patient or, if the subject is at such a facility, that the subject be retained there."

SECTION 8. Section 334-60.5, Hawaii Revised Statutes, is amended to read as follows:

"§334-60.5 Hearing on petition. (a) The court shall adjourn or continue a hearing for failure to timely notify the subject of the petition's spouse or reciprocal beneficiary, legal [[Struck through: parents,]] [Underlined: parent,] adult [[Struck through: children,]] [Underlined: child, surrogate,] guardian, or relative, or other person determined by the court to be entitled to notice, or for failure by the subject to contact an attorney as provided in section 334-60.4(b)(7) unless the [Underlined: subject waived notice pursuant to section 334-60.4(a) or the ]court determines that the interests of justice require that the hearing continue without adjournment or continuance.

(b) The time and form of the procedure incident to hearing the issues in the petition shall be provided by court rule. Unless the hearing is waived, the judge shall hear the petition as soon as possible and no later than ten days after the date the petition is filed unless a reasonable delay is sought for good cause shown by the subject of the petition, the subject's attorney, or those persons entitled to receive notice of the hearing under section 334-60.4.

(c) The subject of the petition shall be present at all hearings unless the subject waives the right to be present, is unable to attend, or creates conditions that make it impossible to conduct [[Struck through: the]] [Underlined: a] hearing in a reasonable manner as determined by the judge. A waiver is valid only upon acceptance by the court following a judicial determination that the subject understands the subject's rights and is competent to waive them, or is unable to participate. If the subject is unable to participate, the judge shall appoint a guardian ad litem or a temporary guardian as provided in article V of chapter 560, to represent the subject throughout the proceedings.

(d) Hearings may be held at any convenient place within the circuit. [Underlined: Unless the court determines personal appearance is necessary, hearings may be conducted by video conferencing.] The subject of the petition, any interested party, or the court on its own motion may request a hearing in another circuit because of convenience to the parties, witnesses, or the court or because of the [[Struck through: individual's]] [Underlined: subject's] mental or physical condition.

(e) The [[Struck through: attorney general, the attorney general's deputy, special deputy, or appointee]] [Underlined: department of the attorney general ]shall present the case [Underlined: for a petitioner] for hearings convened under this chapter, unless [[Struck through: except that the attorney general, the attorney general's deputy, special deputy, or appointee need not participate in or be present at a hearing whenever]] a petitioner [[Struck through: or some other appropriate person]] has retained private counsel who will be present in court and will present to the court the case for involuntary hospitalization.

(f) Counsel for the subject of the petition shall be allowed adequate time for investigation of the matters at issue and for preparation[[Struck through: ,]] and shall be permitted to present the evidence that the counsel believes necessary to a proper disposition of the proceedings, including evidence as to alternatives to inpatient hospitalization.

(g) No individual may be found to require treatment in a psychiatric facility unless at least one [[Struck through: physician, advanced practice registered nurse,]] [Underlined: qualified psychiatric examiner] or psychologist who has personally examined the individual testifies in person at the hearing. This testimony may be waived by the subject of the petition. If the subject of the petition [[Struck through: has refused]] [Underlined: refuses] to be examined by a [[Struck through: licensed physician, advanced practice registered nurse,]] [Underlined: qualified psychiatric examiner] or psychologist, the subject may be examined by a court-appointed [[Struck through: licensed physician, advanced practice registered nurse,]] [Underlined: qualified psychiatric examiner] or psychologist. If the subject refuses [Underlined: to be examined] and there is sufficient evidence to believe that the allegations of the petition are true, the court may make a temporary order committing the subject to a psychiatric facility for a period of no more than five days for the purpose of a diagnostic examination [[Struck through: and evaluation]]. The subject's refusal [Underlined: to be examined] shall be treated as a denial that the subject is mentally ill or suffering from substance abuse. Nothing in this section shall limit the [[Struck through: individual's]] [Underlined: subject's] privilege against self-incrimination.

(h) The subject of the petition in a hearing under this section has the right to secure an independent [[Struck through: medical or psychological evaluation]] [Underlined: examination] and present evidence thereon.

(i) If after hearing all relevant evidence, including the result of any diagnostic examination ordered by the court, the court finds that [[Struck through: an individual]] [Underlined: a subject of a petition] is not a person requiring medical, psychiatric, psychological, or other rehabilitative treatment or supervision, the court shall order that the [[Struck through: individual]] [Underlined: subject] be discharged if the [[Struck through: individual]] [Underlined: subject] has been hospitalized prior to the hearing.

(j) If the court finds that the criteria for involuntary hospitalization under section 334-60.2(1) has been met beyond a reasonable doubt and that the criteria under [[Struck through: sections]] [Underlined: section] 334-60.2(2) and [[Struck through: 334-60.2(3)]] [Underlined: (3)] have been met by clear and convincing evidence, the court may issue an order to any law enforcement officer to [[Struck through: deliver]] [Underlined: transport] the subject [Underlined: of the order] to a facility that has agreed to admit the subject as an involuntary patient, or if the subject is already a patient in a psychiatric facility, authorize the facility to retain the patient for treatment for a period of ninety days unless sooner discharged. The court may also authorize the involuntary administration of medication, where the subject has an existing order for assisted community treatment[[Struck through: ,]] issued pursuant to part VIII of this chapter[[Struck through: , relating to assisted community treatment,]] and in accordance with the treatment prescribed by that [[Struck through: prior]] [Underlined: existing] order. Notice of the subject's commitment and the facility name and location where the subject will be committed shall be provided to those persons entitled to notice pursuant to section 334-60.4. An order of commitment shall specify which of those persons served with notice pursuant to section 334-60.4, together with such other persons as the court may designate, shall be entitled to receive any subsequent notice of intent to discharge, transfer, or recommit. The court shall forward to the Hawaii criminal justice data center all orders of involuntary civil commitment or information from all orders of involuntary civil commitment, as requested by the Hawaii criminal justice data center, which in turn shall forward the information to the Federal Bureau of Investigation, or its successor agency, for inclusion in the National Instant Criminal Background Check System database. The orders or information shall also be maintained by the Hawaii criminal justice data center for disclosure to and use by law enforcement officials for the purpose of firearms permitting[Underlined: , licensing,] or registration pursuant to chapter 134. This subsection shall apply to all involuntary civil commitments without regard to the date of the involuntary civil commitment.

[[Struck through: (k) The court may find that the subject of the petition is an incapacitated or protected person, or both, under article V of chapter 560, and may appoint a guardian or conservator, or both, for the subject under the terms and conditions as the court shall determine.]

[Struck through: (l)]] [Underlined: (k)] Persons entitled to notice [[Struck through: are]] [Underlined: pursuant to this section shall be] also entitled to be present in the courtroom for the hearing and to receive a copy of the hearing transcript or recording, unless the court determines that the interests of justice require otherwise."

SECTION 9. Section 334-60.7, Hawaii Revised Statutes, is amended to read as follows:

"§334-60.7 Notice of intent to discharge. (a) When the administrator[Underlined: , the administrator's deputy,] or [Underlined: the] attending physician of a psychiatric facility contemplates discharge of an involuntary patient because of expiration of the court order for commitment or because the patient is no longer a proper subject for commitment, as determined by the criteria for involuntary hospitalization in section 334-60.2, the administrator[Underlined: , the administrator's deputy,] or [Underlined: the] attending physician shall provide notice of intent to discharge, or if the patient voluntarily agrees to further hospitalization, the administrator[Underlined: , the administrator's deputy, or the attending physician] shall provide notice of the patient's admission to voluntary inpatient treatment. The following requirements and procedures shall apply:

(1) The notice and a certificate of service shall be filed with the family court and served on those persons whom the order of commitment specifies as entitled to receive notice, by mail at the person's last known address. [[Struck through: Notice]] [Underlined: If the commitment resulted directly from legal proceedings under chapter 704 or 706,] [Underlined: notice] shall also be sent to the prosecuting attorney of the county from which the person was originally committed, by facsimile or electronically, for the sole purpose of victim notification; [Underlined: and]

(2) Any person specified as entitled to receive notice may waive this right in writing with the psychiatric facility[[Struck through: ;][Underlined: ]

[Struck through: (3)] [Struck through: If no objection is filed within five calendar days of mailing the notice, the administrator or attending physician of the psychiatric facility shall discharge the patient or accept the patient for voluntary inpatient treatment;]

[Struck through: (4)] [Struck through: If any person specified as entitled to receive notice files a written objection, with a certificate of service, to the discharge or to the patient's admission to voluntary inpatient treatment on the grounds that the patient is a proper subject for commitment, the family court shall conduct a hearing as soon as possible, prior to the termination of the current commitment order, to determine if the patient still meets the criteria for involuntary hospitalization in section 334-60.2. The person filing the objection shall also notify the psychiatric facility by telephone on the date the objection is filed;]

[Struck through: (5)] [Struck through: If the family court finds that the patient does not meet the criteria for involuntary hospitalization in section 334-60.2, the court shall issue an order of discharge from the commitment; and]

[Struck through: (6)] [Struck through: If the family court finds that the patient does meet the criteria for involuntary hospitalization in section 334-60.2, the court shall issue an order denying discharge from the commitment]].

(b) For civil commitments that do not result directly from legal proceedings under [[Struck through: chapters]] [Underlined: chapter] 704 [[Struck through: and]] [Underlined: or] 706, when the administrator[Underlined: , the administrator's deputy,] or [Underlined: the] attending physician of a psychiatric facility contemplates discharge of an involuntary patient, the administrator[Underlined: , the administrator's deputy,] or [Underlined: the] attending physician [[Struck through: may]] [Underlined: shall] assess whether an assisted community treatment plan is indicated pursuant to section 334-123 and, if so indicated, may communicate with an aftercare provider as part of discharge planning, as appropriate."

SECTION 10. Section 334-76, Hawaii Revised Statutes, is amended to read as follows:

"§334-76 Discharge from custody. (a) Subject to any special requirements of law as provided in sections 704-406, 704-411, and 706-607 or elsewhere, with respect to patients committed on court order from a criminal proceeding, the administrator of a psychiatric facility, [Underlined: the administrator's deputy, or the attending physician,] pursuant to section 334-60.7, shall:

(1) Send a notice of intent to discharge or notice of the patient's admission to voluntary inpatient treatment to those persons specified in the order of commitment as entitled to receive notice of intent to discharge, by mail at their last known address; and

(2) Send a notice of intent to discharge or notice of the patient's admission to voluntary inpatient treatment to the prosecuting attorney of the county from which the person was originally committed, by facsimile or electronically[[Struck through: .]][Underlined: , when the commitment directly resulted from legal proceedings under chapter 704 or 706.]

(b) The administrator [[Struck through: or]][Underlined: ,] the [Underlined: administrator's] deputy[Underlined: ,] or the physician assuming medical responsibility for the patient shall discharge an involuntary patient when the patient is no longer a proper subject for commitment, as determined by the criteria for involuntary hospitalization in section 334-60.2.

(c) Nothing in this section shall preclude a [Underlined: psychiatric] facility from accepting for voluntary inpatient treatment, in accordance with the procedures in section 334-60.1, a patient for whom the facility contemplates discharge pursuant to section 334-60.7 and who voluntarily agrees to further hospitalization after the period of commitment has expired or where the patient is no longer a proper subject for commitment."

SECTION 11. Section 334-121, Hawaii Revised Statutes, is amended to read as follows:

"§334-121 Criteria for assisted community treatment. [[Struck through: A person]] [Underlined: An individual] may be ordered to obtain assisted community treatment if the family court finds, based on the professional opinion of a [[Struck through: psychiatrist or advanced practice registered nurse with prescriptive authority and who holds an accredited national certification in an advanced practice registered nurse psychiatric specialization,]] [Underlined: qualified psychiatric examiner,] that:

(1) The [[Struck through: person]] [Underlined: individual] is mentally ill or suffering from substance abuse;

(2) The [[Struck through: person]] [Underlined: individual] is unlikely to live safely in the community without available supervision, is now in need of treatment in order to prevent a relapse or deterioration that would predictably result in the [[Struck through: person]] [Underlined: individual] becoming imminently dangerous to self or others, and the [[Struck through: person's]] [Underlined: individual's ]current mental status or the nature of the [[Struck through: person's]] [Underlined: individual's] disorder limits or negates the [[Struck through: person's]] [Underlined: individual's] ability to make an informed decision to voluntarily seek or comply with recommended treatment;

(3) The [[Struck through: person]] [Underlined: individual] has a:

(A) Mental illness that has caused that [[Struck through: person]] [Underlined: individual] to refuse needed and appropriate mental health services in the community; or

(B) History of lack of adherence to treatment for mental illness or substance abuse that resulted in the [[Struck through: person]] [Underlined: individual] becoming dangerous to self or others and that now would predictably result in the [[Struck through: person]] [Underlined: individual] becoming imminently dangerous to self or others; and

(4) Considering less intrusive alternatives, assisted community treatment is essential to prevent the danger posed by the [[Struck through: person,]] [Underlined: individual,] is medically appropriate, and is in the [[Struck through: person's]] [Underlined: individual's] medical interests."

SECTION 12. Section 334-121.5, Hawaii Revised Statutes, is amended to read as follows:

"§334-121.5 Examination for assisted community treatment indication. A [[Struck through: licensed psychiatrist or advanced practice registered nurse with prescriptive authority and who holds an accredited national certification in an advanced practice registered nurse psychiatric specialization]] [Underlined: qualified psychiatric examiner] associated with the [[Struck through: licensed]] psychiatric facility where [[Struck through: a person]] [Underlined: a patient] is located who was committed to involuntary hospitalization, delivered for emergency examination or emergency hospitalization, or voluntarily admitted to inpatient treatment at a psychiatric facility pursuant to part IV shall, before the [[Struck through: person's]] [Underlined: patient's] discharge, examine the [[Struck through: person]] [Underlined: patient] to determine whether an assisted community treatment plan is indicated pursuant to this part. If a plan is indicated, the [[Struck through: psychiatrist or advanced practice registered nurse]] [Underlined: qualified psychiatric examiner] shall prepare the certificate specified by section 334-123. The department of the attorney general shall assist with the preparation and filing of any petition brought pursuant to section 334-123 and with the presentation of the case at any related court proceedings; provided that, if the petitioner is a private provider or other private individual, the petitioner may decline the assistance. The psychiatric facility may notify another mental health program for assistance with the coordination of care in the community for the person. Nothing in this section shall delay the appropriate discharge of a [[Struck through: person]] [Underlined: patient] from the psychiatric facility after the examination for assisted community treatment indication has been completed."

SECTION 13. Section 334-122, Hawaii Revised Statutes, is amended to be read as follows:

1. By adding two new definitions to be appropriately inserted and to read:

"[Underlined: "Assisted community treatment provider" means a mental health provider, which may include a qualified psychiatric examiner or a mental health program, that is or will be responsible, in accordance with an assisted community treatment order, for the coordination, management, or administration of a subject of the order's treatment.]

[Underlined: "Mental health program" means a hospital, psychiatric facility, clinic, or other facility providing mental health treatment to individuals suffering from mental illness or substance abuse.]"

2. By amending the definition of "assisted community treatment" to read:

""Assisted community treatment" includes medication specifically authorized by court order; individual or group therapy; day or partial day programming activities; services and training, including educational and vocational activities; supervision of living arrangements; and any other services prescribed to either alleviate the [[Struck through: person's]] [Underlined: subject of the order's] disorder or disability, maintain or maximize semi-independent functioning, or prevent further deterioration that may reasonably be predicted to result in the need for hospitalization or more intensive or restrictive levels of care in the community or incarceration for criminal behavior."

3. By amending the definition of "subject of the order" to read:

""Subject of the order" means [[Struck through: a person]] [Underlined: an individual] who has been ordered by the court to obtain assisted community treatment."

4. By amending the definition of "subject of the petition" to read:

""Subject of the petition" means the [[Struck through: person]] [Underlined: individual ]who, under a petition filed under section 334-123, is alleged to meet the criteria for assisted community treatment."

5. By repealing the definition of "advanced practice registered nurse".

["[Struck through: "Advanced practice registered nurse" means a registered nurse licensed to practice in this State who:]

[Struck through: (1)] [Struck through: Has met the qualifications set forth in chapter 457 and this part;]

[Struck through: (2)] [Struck through: Because of advanced education and specialized clinical training, is authorized to assess, screen, diagnose, order, utilize, or perform medical, therapeutic, preventive, or corrective measures;]

[Struck through: (3)] [Struck through: Holds an accredited national certification in an advanced practice registered nurse psychiatric specialization; and]

[Struck through: (4)] [Struck through: Holds prescriptive authority pursuant to section 457-8.6.]"]

6. By repealing the definition of "treating psychiatrist".

["[Struck through: "Treating psychiatrist" means the psychiatrist who is responsible for the management and supervision of a person's treatment under order of the court.]"]

SECTION 14. Section 334-123, Hawaii Revised Statutes, is amended by amending subsections (c) and (d) to read as follows:

"(c) The petition may be accompanied by a certificate of a [[Struck through: licensed psychiatrist or advanced practice registered nurse with prescriptive authority and who holds an accredited national certification in an advanced practice registered nurse psychiatric specialization]] [Underlined: qualified psychiatric examiner] who has examined the subject of the petition within twenty calendar days before the filing of the petition. For purposes of the petition, an examination shall be considered valid so long as the [[Struck through: licensed psychiatrist or advanced practice registered nurse with prescriptive authority and who holds an accredited national certification in an advanced practice registered nurse psychiatric specialization]] [Underlined: qualified psychiatric examiner] has obtained enough information from the subject of the petition to reach a diagnosis of the subject of the petition, and to express a professional opinion concerning the same, even if the subject of the petition is not fully cooperative. If the petitioner believes that further [[Struck through: evaluation]] [Underlined: examination] is necessary before treatment, the petitioner may request further [[Struck through: evaluation.]] [Underlined: examination.]

(d) The petition shall include the name, address, and telephone number of at least one of the following persons in the following order of priority: the subject of the petition's spouse or reciprocal beneficiary, legal parents, adult children, [[Struck through: and]] [Underlined: surrogate, or] legal guardian[[Struck through: , if one has been appointed]]. If the subject of the petition has no living spouse or reciprocal beneficiary, legal parent, adult [[Struck through: children,]] [Underlined: child, surrogate,] or legal guardian, or if none can be found, the petition shall include the name, address, and telephone number of at least one of the subject's closest adult relatives, if any can be found. [Underlined: The petition shall also include the name of a proposed assisted community treatment provider.]"

SECTION 15. Section 334-124, Hawaii Revised Statutes, is amended to read as follows:

"§334-124 Hearing date. The family court shall set a hearing date on a petition, and any subsequent hearing dates for the petition, as soon as possible[[Struck through: .]] [Underlined: but no later than ten days after the filing of the petition. A hearing on the petition may be continued pending further examination of the subject of the petition, for the appointment of a guardian ad litem, or for good cause.]"[Underlined: ]

SECTION 16. Section 334-125, Hawaii Revised Statutes, is amended to read as follows:

1. By amending subsection (a) to read:

"(a) Notice of the hearing [Underlined: under this part] shall be:

(1) Served personally on the subject of the petition pursuant to family court rules;

(2) Served personally or by certified or registered mail, return receipt requested, deliverable to the addressee only, to as many as are known to the petitioner of the subject's spouse or reciprocal beneficiary, legal parents, adult children, [Underlined: surrogate,] and legal guardian[[Struck through: , if one has been appointed]]. If the subject of the petition has no living spouse or reciprocal beneficiary, legal parent, adult [[Struck through: children,]] [Underlined: child, surrogate,] or legal guardian, or if none can be found, notice of the hearing shall be served on at least one of the subject's closest adult relatives, if any can be found;

(3) Served on the guardian ad litem appointed for the subject of the petition [[Struck through: or the subject's existing guardian, if the court determines the existence of one;]] [Underlined: as provided in section 334-123.5;]

(4) Served on the attorney for the subject of the petition, if applicable; [[Struck through: and]]

[Underlined: (5)] [Underlined: Served on the assisted community treatment provider proposed in the petition, unless the petitioner is also the proposed assisted community treatment provider; and]

[[Struck through: (5)]] [Underlined: (6)] Given to other persons as the court may designate."

2. By amending subsection (c) to read:

"(c) Notice [[Struck through: of all subsequent hearings shall be served in accordance with subsections (a) and (b), and in accordance with all applicable family court rules relating to service of notice, including that service need not be made on parties in default for failure to appear.]] [Underlined: to the subject of the petition's spouse or reciprocal beneficiary, legal parents, adult children, or closest adult relative may be waived if the subject is an adult and requests that they not be notified.]"[Struck through: ]

SECTION 17. Section 334-126, Hawaii Revised Statutes, is amended by amending subsection (g) to read as follows:

"(g) No subject of the petition shall be ordered to receive assisted community treatment unless at least one [[Struck through: psychiatrist or advanced practice registered nurse with prescriptive authority and who holds an accredited national certification in an advanced practice registered nurse psychiatric specialization testifies in person at the hearing]] [Underlined: qualified psychiatric examiner] who has personally [[Struck through: assessed]] [Underlined: examined] the subject[[Struck through: ,]] within a reasonable time before the filing of the petition [[Struck through: up to the time when the psychiatrist or advanced practice registered nurse with prescriptive authority and who holds an accredited national certification in an advanced practice registered nurse psychiatric specialization]] provides oral testimony at [[Struck through: court.]] [Underlined: the hearing.] The [[Struck through: testimony of the psychiatrist or advanced practice registered nurse with prescriptive authority and who holds an accredited national certification in an advanced practice registered nurse psychiatric specialization]] [Underlined: qualified psychiatric examiner] shall [[Struck through: state]] [Underlined: provide] the facts [[Struck through: which]] [Underlined: that] support the allegation that the subject meets all the criteria for assisted community treatment, provide a written treatment plan, which shall include non-mental health treatment if appropriate, provide the rationale for the recommended treatment, and identify the [[Struck through: designated mental health program responsible for the coordination of care.]] [Underlined: assisted community treatment provider.]

If the recommended assisted community treatment includes medication, the testimony [[Struck through: of]] [Underlined: provided by] the [[Struck through: psychiatrist or advanced practice registered nurse with prescriptive authority and who holds an accredited national certification in an advanced practice registered nurse psychiatric specialization]] [Underlined: qualified psychiatric examiner] shall describe the types or classes of medication [[Struck through: which]] [Underlined: that] should be authorized, and describe the physical and mental beneficial and detrimental effects of [[Struck through: such]] [Underlined: the] medication."

SECTION 18. Section 334-127, Hawaii Revised Statutes, is amended to read as follows:

"§334-127 Disposition. (a) If[Underlined: ,] after [[Struck through: hearing]] [Underlined: considering] all relevant evidence, including the results of any diagnostic examination ordered by the family court, the family court finds that the subject of the petition does not meet the criteria for assisted community treatment, the family court shall dismiss the petition. Notice of the dismissal shall be provided to those persons entitled to notice pursuant to section 334-125.

(b) If[Underlined: ,] after hearing all relevant evidence, including the results of any diagnostic examination ordered by the family court, the family court finds that the criteria for assisted community treatment under section 334-121(1) have been met beyond a reasonable doubt and that the criteria under section 334-121(2) to (4) have been met by clear and convincing evidence, the family court shall order the subject to obtain assisted community treatment for a period of no more than two years. The written treatment plan submitted pursuant to section 334-126(g) shall be attached to the order and made a part of the order.

If the family court finds by clear and convincing evidence that the beneficial mental and physical effects of recommended medication outweigh the detrimental mental and physical effects, if any, the order may authorize types or classes of medication to be included in treatment at the discretion of the [[Struck through: treating psychiatrist or advanced practice registered nurse with prescriptive authority and who holds an accredited national certification in an advanced practice registered nurse psychiatric specialization.]] [Underlined: assisted community treatment provider.]

The court order shall [[Struck through: also]] state who should receive notice of intent to discharge early in the event that the [[Struck through: treating psychiatrist or advanced practice registered nurse with prescriptive authority and who holds an accredited national certification in an advanced practice registered nurse psychiatric specialization]] [Underlined: assisted community treatment provider] determines, before the end of the court ordered period of treatment, that the subject should be discharged early from assisted community treatment.

Notice of the order shall be provided to the director, the [[Struck through: interested party who filed the petition,]] [Underlined: petitioner,] and those persons entitled to notice pursuant to section 334-125.

(c) The family court shall also designate on the order the [[Struck through: treating psychiatrist or advanced practice registered nurse with prescriptive authority and who holds an accredited national certification in an advanced practice registered nurse psychiatric specialization who is to be responsible for the management and supervision of the subject's treatment, or shall assign an administrator of a designated mental health program to, in turn, designate the treating psychiatrist or advanced practice registered nurse with prescriptive authority and who holds an accredited national certification in an advanced practice registered nurse psychiatric specialization during the treatment period without court approval, and may designate either a publicly employed psychiatrist or advanced practice registered nurse with prescriptive authority and who holds an accredited national certification in an advanced practice registered nurse psychiatric specialization, or a private psychiatrist or advanced practice registered nurse with prescriptive authority and who holds an accredited national certification in an advanced practice registered nurse psychiatric specialization; provided that the private psychiatrist or advanced practice registered nurse with prescriptive authority and who holds an accredited national certification in an advanced practice registered nurse psychiatric specialization shall agree to the designation. The order for assisted community treatment shall be subject to the Health Care Privacy Harmonization Act, chapter 323B.]] [Underlined: assisted community treatment provider.]

(d) Nothing in this section shall preclude the subject's stipulation to the continuance [[Struck through: []]of[[Struck through: ]]] an existing court order."

SECTION 19. Section 334-129, Hawaii Revised Statutes, is amended to read as follows:

"§334-129 Failure to comply with assisted community treatment. (a) A [[Struck through: treating psychiatrist or advanced practice registered nurse with prescriptive authority and who holds an accredited national certification in an advanced practice registered nurse psychiatric specialization]] [Underlined: qualified psychiatric examiner] may prescribe or administer to the subject of the order reasonable and appropriate medication or medications, if specifically authorized by [[Struck through: the]] [Underlined: a] court order, and treatment that is consistent with accepted medical standards and the [[Struck through: family]] court order, including the written treatment plan submitted pursuant to section 334-126(g)[[Struck through: .]][Underlined: , and in accordance with the procedures described in subsection (b).]

(b) [[Struck through: No subject of the order shall be physically forced to take medication under a family court order for assisted community treatment unless the subject is within an emergency department or admitted to a hospital, subsequent to the date of the current assisted community treatment order.]] [Underlined: A ][Underlined: qualified psychiatric examiner may administer medication or medications specifically authorized by a court order to a subject of the order over objection of the subject during emergency examination or hospitalization under part IV, subpart A, of this chapter, or while committed for involuntary hospitalization under part IV, subpart C, of this chapter.]

(c) A subject [Underlined: of the order] may be transported to [[Struck through: a designated ][Struck through: mental health program, or a hospital emergency department,]] [Underlined: a psychiatric facility or other facility designated by the director] for failure to comply with an order for assisted community treatment via the following methods:

(1) By an interested party with the consent of the subject of the order; or

(2) In accordance with section [[Struck through: 334-59.]] [Underlined: 334-B, 334-C, or 334-D.]

(d) The [[Struck through: designated mental health program's treating psychiatrist or advanced practice registered nurse with prescriptive authority and who holds an accredited national certification in an advanced practice registered nurse psychiatric specialization or designee of the psychiatrist or advanced practice registered nurse with prescriptive authority and who holds an accredited national certification in an advanced practice registered nurse psychiatric specialization]] [Underlined: assisted community treatment provider] shall make all reasonable efforts to solicit the subject's compliance with the prescribed treatment. If the subject fails or refuses to comply after the efforts to solicit compliance, the [[Struck through: treating psychiatrist or advanced practice registered nurse with prescriptive authority and who holds an accredited national certification in an advanced practice registered nurse psychiatric specialization]] [Underlined: assisted community treatment provider] shall assess whether the subject of the order meets criteria for involuntary hospitalization under part IV[Underlined: , subpart C,] of this chapter, and proceed with emergency transportation pursuant to section [[Struck through: 334-59(a)(2) or (3).]] [Underlined: 334-C or 334-D.]

(e) Notice of any transport or [[Struck through: admission]] [Underlined: hospitalization] under this section shall be provided pursuant to section [[Struck through: 334-59.5.]] [Underlined: 334-G.]

[Underlined: (f) Except in cases of willful misconduct, gross negligence, or recklessness, the assisted community treatment provider shall not be held civilly liable, either personally or in the assisted community treatment provider's official capacity, for the death of or injury to the subject of the order, claim for damage to or loss of property, or other civil liability as the result of any act or omission in the course of the employment or duties under this part.]"

SECTION 20. Section 334-130, Hawaii Revised Statutes, is amended to read as follows:

"§334-130 Period of assisted community treatment. (a) [[Struck through: The]] [Underlined: Unless a family court orders otherwise, the] assisted community treatment order shall continue to apply to the subject, for the duration specified in the order, regardless of whether the treatment setting changes.

(b) The subject of [[Struck through: assisted community treatment is]] [Underlined: the order shall be] automatically and fully discharged at the end of the family court ordered period of treatment[[Struck through: ,]] [Underlined: pursuant to an assisted community treatment order,] a period of no more than two years, unless a new family court order has been obtained [[Struck through: as provided hereinbelow]].

(c) Nothing in this section shall preclude the subject's stipulation to the continuance [[Struck through: []]of[[Struck through: ]]] an existing court order."

SECTION 21. Section 334-131, Hawaii Revised Statutes, is amended by amending subsection (a) to read as follows:

"(a) When the [[Struck through: treating psychiatrist or advanced practice registered nurse with prescriptive authority and who holds an accredited national certification in an advanced practice registered nurse psychiatric specialization]] [Underlined: assisted community treatment provider] contemplates discharge for a subject of the order because of [Underlined: the imminent] expiration of the court order or because the subject of the order is no longer a proper subject for assisted community treatment, as determined by the criteria in section 334-121, the [[Struck through: treating psychiatrist or advanced practice registered nurse with prescriptive authority and who holds an accredited national certification in an advanced practice registered nurse psychiatric specialization]] [Underlined: assisted community treatment provider] shall provide notice of intent to discharge."

SECTION 22. Section 334-161, Hawaii Revised Statutes, is amended by amending subsection (a) to read as follows:

"(a) A patient who has been committed to a psychiatric facility for involuntary hospitalization or who is in the custody of the director and residing in a psychiatric facility may be ordered to receive treatment over the patient's objection, including the taking or application of medication, if the court, or administrative [[Struck through: panel]] [Underlined: decision-maker] through the administrative authorization process established pursuant to section 334-162, finds that:

(1) The patient suffers from a physical or mental disease, disorder, or defect;

(2) The patient is imminently dangerous to self or others;

(3) The proposed treatment is medically appropriate; and

(4) After considering less intrusive alternatives, treatment is necessary to forestall the danger posed by the patient."

SECTION 23. Section 334-162, Hawaii Revised Statutes, is amended by amending subsection (a) to read as follows:

"(a) A patient who is in the custody of the director and in a psychiatric facility may be ordered to receive medical treatment over the patient's objection through an administrative authorization process that includes the following due process safeguards:

(1) The facility shall give notice to the patient of the authorization process and the reasons for initiating the process;

(2) The administrative [[Struck through: panel shall consist of three members]] [Underlined: decision-maker who is a psychiatrist] with relevant clinical training and experience, and who [[Struck through: are]] [Underlined: is] not involved with the current treatment of the patient[[Struck through: ;]][Underlined: , shall, after considering all relevant evidence, determine whether the criteria under section 334-162 are met;]

(3) The patient shall have the right to attend the hearing, receive assistance from an advisor, cross examine witnesses, and present testimony, exhibits, and witnesses; and

(4) The patient shall have the right to appeal the decision of the administrative [[Struck through: panel.]] [Underlined: decision-maker.]"

SECTION 24. Section 334E-2, Hawaii Revised Statutes, is amended by amending subsection (a) to read as follows:

"(a) Any patient in a psychiatric facility shall be afforded rights, and any psychiatric facility shall provide the rights to all patients; provided that when a patient is not able to exercise the patient's rights, the patient's legal guardian or legal representative shall have the authority to exercise the same on behalf of the patient. The rights shall include but not be limited to the following:

(1) Access to written rules and regulations with which the patient is expected to comply;

(2) Access to the facility's grievance procedure or to the department of health as provided in section 334-3;

(3) Freedom from reprisal;

(4) Privacy, respect, and personal dignity;

(5) A humane environment;

(6) Freedom from discriminatory treatment based on race, color, creed, national origin, age, and sex;

(7) A written treatment plan based on the individual patient;

(8) Participation in the planning of the patient's treatment plan;

(9) Refusal of treatment except in emergency situations or when a court order or an administrative order pursuant to chapter 334, part [Underlined: VIII or] X, has been issued;

(10) Refusal to participate in experimentation;

(11) The choice of physician if the physician chosen agrees;

(12) A qualified, competent staff;

(13) A medical examination before initiation of non-emergency treatment;

(14) Confidentiality of the patient's records;

(15) Access to the patient's records;

(16) Knowledge of rights withheld or removed by a court or by law;

(17) Physical exercise and recreation;

(18) Adequate diet;

(19) Knowledge of the names and titles of staff members with whom the patient has frequent contact;

(20) The right to work at the facility and fair compensation for work done; provided that work is available and is part of the patient's treatment plan;

(21) Visitation rights, unless the patient poses a danger to self or others; provided that where visitation is prohibited, the legal guardian or legal representative shall be allowed to visit the patient upon request;

(22) Uncensored communication;

(23) Notice of and reasons for an impending transfer;

(24) Freedom from seclusion or restraint, except:

(A) When necessary to prevent injury to self or others;

(B) When part of the treatment plan; or

(C) When necessary to preserve the rights of other patients or staff;

(25) Disclosure to a court, at an involuntary civil commitment hearing, of all treatment procedures which have been administered prior to the hearing; and

(26) Receipt by the patient and the patient's guardian or legal guardian, if the patient has one, of this enunciation of rights at the time of admission."

SECTION 25. Section 586-5.5, Hawaii Revised Statutes, is amended by amending subsection (a) to read as follows:

"(a) If, after hearing all relevant evidence, the court finds that the respondent has failed to show cause why the order should not be continued and that a protective order is necessary to prevent domestic abuse or a recurrence of abuse, the court may order that a protective order be issued for a further fixed reasonable period as the court deems appropriate, including, in the case where a protective order restrains any party from contacting, threatening, or physically abusing a minor, a fixed reasonable period extending to a date after the minor has reached eighteen years of age.

The protective order may include all orders stated in the temporary restraining order and may provide for further relief as the court deems necessary to prevent domestic abuse or a recurrence of abuse, including orders establishing temporary visitation and custody with regard to minor children of the parties and orders to either or both parties to participate in domestic violence intervention services. If the court finds that the party meets the requirements under section [[Struck through: 334-59(a)(2),]] [Underlined: 334-C,] the court further may order that the party be taken to the nearest facility for emergency examination and treatment."

SECTION 26. Section 334-59, Hawaii Revised Statutes, is repealed:

["[Struck through: §334-59] [Struck through: Emergency examination and hospitalization.][Struck through: (a) Initiation of proceedings. An emergency admission may be initiated as follows:]

[Struck through: (1)] [Struck through: If a law enforcement officer has reason to believe that a person is imminently dangerous to self or others, the officer shall call for assistance from a mental health emergency worker designated by the director; provided that if a law enforcement officer is unable to reach a mental health emergency worker telephonically or has reason to believe the situation to be unstable to a degree that a delay of greater than two minutes would result in serious harm to the individual, others, or property, the law enforcement officer may act to gain control of the individual. Once the law enforcement officer has gained control of the individual, the law enforcement officer shall call for assistance from a mental health emergency worker designated by the director; provided that the law enforcement officer shall document why the situation necessitated that the law enforcement officer gain control of the individual. Upon determination by the mental health emergency worker that the person is imminently dangerous to self or others, the person shall be transported by ambulance or other suitable means to a licensed psychiatric facility or other facility designated by the director for further evaluation and possible emergency hospitalization. If a crisis intervention officer has probable cause to believe that a person is imminently dangerous to self or others, the crisis intervention officer shall call a mental health emergency worker to determine if the person shall be transported by ambulance or other suitable means to a behavioral health crisis center designated by the director as determined by a mental health emergency worker. A law enforcement officer may also take into custody and transport to any facility designated by the director any person threatening or attempting suicide. The law enforcement officer shall make application for the examination, observation, and diagnosis of the person in custody. The application shall state or shall be accompanied by a statement of the circumstances under which the person was taken into custody and the reasons therefor, which shall be transmitted with the person to a physician, advanced practice registered nurse, or psychologist at the facility.]

[Struck through: As used in this paragraph, "crisis intervention officer" has the same meaning as defined in section 353C-1;]

[Struck through: (2)] [Struck through: Upon written or oral application of any licensed physician, advanced practice registered nurse, psychologist, attorney, member of the clergy, health or social service professional, or any state or county employee in the course of employment, a judge may issue an ex parte order orally, but shall reduce the order to writing by the close of the next court day following the application, stating that there is probable cause to believe the person is mentally ill or suffering from substance abuse, is imminently dangerous to self or others and in need of care or treatment, or both, giving the findings upon which the conclusion is based. The order shall direct that a law enforcement officer or other suitable individual take the person into custody and deliver the person to a designated mental health program, if subject to an assisted community treatment order issued pursuant to part VIII, or to the nearest facility designated by the director for emergency examination and treatment, or both. The ex parte order shall be made a part of the patient's clinical record. If the application is oral, the person making the application shall reduce the application to writing and shall submit the same by noon of the next court day to the judge who issued the oral ex parte order. The written application shall be executed subject to the penalties of perjury but need not be sworn to before a notary public; or]

[Struck through: (3)] [Struck through: Any licensed physician, advanced practice registered nurse, physician assistant, or psychologist who has examined a person and has reason to believe the person is:]

[Struck through: (A)] [Struck through: Mentally ill or suffering from substance abuse;]

[Struck through: (B)] [Struck through: Imminently dangerous to self or others; and]

[Struck through: (C)] [Struck through: In need of care or treatment,]

[Struck through: may direct transportation, by ambulance or other suitable means, to a licensed psychiatric facility or other facility designated by the director for further evaluation and possible emergency hospitalization. A licensed physician, an advanced practice registered nurse, or a physician assistant may administer treatment as is medically necessary, for the person's safe transportation. A licensed psychologist may administer treatment as is psychologically necessary.]

[Struck through: (b) Emergency examination. A patient who is delivered for emergency examination and treatment to a psychiatric facility or a behavioral health crisis center shall be provided an examination, which shall include a screening to determine whether the criteria for involuntary hospitalization listed in section 334-60.2 persists, by a licensed physician, medical resident under the supervision of a licensed physician, or advanced practice registered nurse without unnecessary delay, and shall be provided such treatment as is indicated by good medical practice. If, after the examination, screening, and treatment, the licensed physician, medical resident under the supervision of a licensed physician, or advanced practice registered nurse determines that the involuntary hospitalization criteria persist, then a psychiatrist or advanced practice registered nurse who has prescriptive authority and who holds an accredited national certification in an advanced practice registered nurse psychiatric specialization shall further examine the patient to diagnose the presence or absence of a mental illness or substance use disorder, further assess the risk that the patient may be dangerous to self or others, and assess whether or not the patient needs to be hospitalized. If it is determined that hospitalization is not needed, an examination pursuant to section 334-121.5 shall be completed.]

[Struck through: (c) Release from emergency examination. If, after examination, the licensed physician, psychiatrist, or advanced practice registered nurse with prescriptive authority and who holds an accredited national certification in an advanced practice registered nurse psychiatric specialization determines that the involuntary hospitalization criteria set forth in section 334-60.2 are not met or do not persist and the examination pursuant to section 334-121.5, where required, has been completed, the patient shall be discharged expediently, unless the patient is under criminal charges, in which case the patient shall be returned to the custody of a law enforcement officer.]

[Struck through: (d) Emergency hospitalization. If the psychiatrist or advanced practice registered nurse with prescriptive authority and who holds an accredited national certification in an advanced practice registered nurse psychiatric specialization who performs the emergency examination has reason to believe that the patient is:]

[Struck through: (1)] [Struck through: Mentally ill or suffering from substance abuse;]

[Struck through: (2)] [Struck through: Imminently dangerous to self or others; and]

[Struck through: (3)] [Struck through: In need of care or treatment, or both,]

[Struck through: the psychiatrist or advanced practice registered nurse with prescriptive authority and who holds an accredited national certification in an advanced practice registered nurse psychiatric specialization shall direct that the patient be hospitalized on an emergency basis or cause the patient to be transferred to another psychiatric facility or other facility designated by the director for emergency hospitalization, or both. The patient shall have the right immediately upon admission to telephone the patient's guardian or a family member including a reciprocal beneficiary, or an adult friend and an attorney. If the patient declines to exercise that right, the staff of the facility shall inform the adult patient of the right to waive notification to the family, including a reciprocal beneficiary, and shall make reasonable efforts to ensure that the patient's guardian or family, including a reciprocal beneficiary, is notified of the emergency admission but the patient's family, including a reciprocal beneficiary, need not be notified if the patient is an adult and requests that there be no notification. The patient shall be allowed to confer with an attorney in private.]

[Struck through: (e) Release from emergency hospitalization. If at any time during the period of emergency hospitalization the treating physician determines that the patient no longer meets the criteria for emergency hospitalization and the examination pursuant to section 334-121.5 has been completed, the physician shall expediently discharge the patient. If the patient is under criminal charges, the patient shall be returned to the custody of a law enforcement officer. In any event, the patient shall be released within forty-eight hours of the patient's admission to a psychiatric facility or other facility designated by the director, unless the patient voluntarily agrees to further hospitalization, or a proceeding for court-ordered evaluation or hospitalization, or both, is initiated as provided in section 334-60.3. If that time expires on a Saturday, Sunday, or holiday, the time for initiation is extended to the close of the next court day. Upon initiation of the proceedings, the facility shall be authorized to detain the patient until further order of the court.]"]

SECTION 27. Section 334-59.5, Hawaii Revised Statutes, is repealed:

["[Struck through: [§334-59.5]] [Struck through: Notice of emergency transportation, examinations, and hospitalizations.] [Struck through: Notice of an individual's emergency admission, examination, and hospitalization under this chapter may be given to at least one of the following persons in the following order of priority: the individual's spouse or reciprocal beneficiary, legal parents, adult children, legal guardian, if one has been appointed, or if none can be found, the closest adult relative, as long as the individual:]

[Struck through: (1)] [Struck through: Has capacity to make health care decisions and agrees;]

[Struck through: (2)] [Struck through: Is given the opportunity to object and does not object, or the health care provider can reasonably infer from the circumstances based on the exercise of professional judgment that the individual does not object; or]

[Struck through: (3)] [Struck through: Is incapacitated or an emergency circumstance exists and the health care provider determines based on the exercise of professional judgment that doing so is in the best interest of the individual.]"]

SECTION 28. This Act does not affect rights and duties that matured, penalties that were incurred, and proceedings that were begun before its effective date.

SECTION 29. If any provision of this Act or the application thereof to any person or circumstance is held invalid, the invalidity does not affect other provisions or applications of the Act that can be given effect without the invalid provision or application, and to this end the provisions of this Act are severable.

SECTION 30. In codifying the new sections added by section 2 and referenced in sections 2, 19, and 25 of this Act, the revisor of statutes shall substitute appropriate section numbers for the letters used in designating the new sections in this Act.

SECTION 31. Statutory material to be repealed is bracketed and stricken. New statutory material is underscored.

SECTION 32. This Act shall take effect upon its approval.

INTRODUCED BY:

_____________________________

BY REQUEST

Report Title:

Mental Health; Admission to Psychiatric Facility; Emergency Transportation; Emergency Examination; Emergency Hospitalization; Involuntary Hospitalization; Assisted Community Treatment; Administration of Treatment Over the Patient's Objection; Limited Liability; Confidentiality

Description:

Clarifies and expands the circumstances and procedures available for emergency transportation, examination, and hospitalization under chapter 334. Provides limits on liability for state and local governments and professionals during mental health emergency procedures while performing their duties in the course of employment. Expands the notice requirements for an emergency hospitalization to include an individual's health-care surrogate and clarifies when notice to family members can be waived. Removes the authority of the family court to appoint a legal guardian in a proceeding for involuntary hospitalization. Removes the requirement that psychiatric facilities wait for a response on a notice of intent to discharge an involuntary hospitalization patient prior to discharge. Clarifies the circumstances under which a subject of an order for assisted community treatment can be administered medication over the subject's objection. Provides limits on liability for an assisted community treatment provider. Modifies the administrative authorization of medical treatment over the patient's objection to be reviewed by a single decision-maker who is a psychiatrist.

The summary description of legislation appearing on this page is for informational purposes only and is not legislation or evidence of legislative intent.