6791-S AMS HARG S4835.4

SSB 6791  - S AMD93
     By Senator Hargrove

     Strike everything after the enacting clause and insert the following:

"NEW SECTION.  Sec. 1   (1) The Washington institute for public policy shall, in collaboration with the department of social and health services and other applicable entities, undertake a search for a validated mental health assessment tool or combination of tools to be used by designated mental health professionals when undertaking assessments of individuals for detention, commitment, and revocation under the involuntary treatment act pursuant to chapter 71.05 RCW.
     (2) This section expires June 30, 2011.

NEW SECTION.  Sec. 2   A new section is added to chapter 71.05 RCW to read as follows:
     (1) In determining whether a person is gravely disabled or presents a likelihood of serious harm, the court or evaluating designated mental health professional must consider the symptoms and behavior of the respondent in light of all available evidence or information concerning the respondent's historical behavior, as disclosed by the clinical record or credible witnesses with knowledge of the respondent.
     (2) Symptoms or behavior which standing alone would not justify civil commitment may support an inference of grave disability or likelihood of serious harm when: (a) Such symptoms or behavior are closely associated with symptoms or behavior which preceded and led to a past incident of involuntary hospitalization, severe deterioration, or one or more violent acts; (b) these symptoms or behavior represent a marked and concerning change in the baseline behavior of the respondent; and (c) without treatment, the continued deterioration of the respondent is highly probable."

SSB 6791  - S AMD
     By Senator Hargrove

     On page 1, line 2 of the title, after "act;" strike the remainder of the title and insert "adding a new section to chapter 71.05 RCW; creating a new section; and providing an expiration date."

EFFECT:  Symptoms or behavior which may support an inference of grave disability or likelihood of serious harm must: (1) Be closely associated with symptoms or behavior which preceded and led to a past incident of involuntary hospitalization, severe deterioration, or one or more violent acts; (2) represent a marked and concerning change in baseline behavior; and (3) without treatment, the continued deterioration of the respondent is highly probable.

--- END ---