SSB 5456 -
By Committee on Judiciary
ADOPTED 04/17/2013
Strike everything after the enacting clause and insert the following:
"NEW SECTION. Sec. 1 A new section is added to chapter 71.05 RCW
to read as follows:
A designated mental health professional conducting an evaluation of
a person under RCW 71.05.150 or 71.05.153 must consult with any
examining emergency room physician regarding the physician's
observations and opinions relating to the person's condition, and
whether, in the view of the physician, detention is appropriate. The
designated mental health professional shall take serious consideration
of observations and opinions by examining emergency room physicians in
determining whether detention under this chapter is appropriate. The
designated mental health professional must document the consultation
with an examining emergency room physician, including the physician's
observations or opinions regarding whether detention of the person is
appropriate.
NEW SECTION. Sec. 2 A new section is added to chapter 71.05 RCW
to read as follows:
A designated mental health professional who conducts an evaluation
for imminent likelihood of serious harm or imminent danger because of
being gravely disabled under RCW 71.05.153 must also evaluate the
person under RCW 71.05.150 for likelihood of serious harm or grave
disability that does not meet the imminent standard for emergency
detention."
Correct the title.
EFFECT: Removes the provisions stating that the fact that a mental
disorder is caused by an underlying medical condition is not a reason
to withhold involuntary detention, and the fact that a person has been
involuntarily detained does not give the right to provide medical
treatment against the person's will except under specified
circumstances.
Removes the provisions allowing an examining physician who
disagrees with a DMHP's decision not to detain a person to submit a
declaration, and requiring the DMHP to provide a written response to
the declaration. Provides instead that a DMHP must consult with any
examining emergency room physician and document the consultation and
any observations or opinions by the examining emergency room physician
regarding whether detention of the person is appropriate.