FINAL BILL REPORT

                  HB 2511

                         C 231 L 94

                     Synopsis as Enacted

Brief Description:  Petitioning for involuntary treatment.

By Representatives Leonard, Cooke, Thibaudeau, King and Ogden; by request of Department of Social and Health Services.

House Committee on Human Services

Senate Committee on Health & Human Services

Background:  State law provides under certain circumstances for the involuntary commitment of persons who are incapacitated by alcohol or other psychoactive chemicals and who have impaired judgment with respect to the need for treatment. Such a person may be committed if he or she "constitutes a danger" to self, to others or to property.

Summary:  For the purpose of involuntary commitment, the risk of dangerousness presented by an impaired person is clarified. A person incapacitated by alcohol or other psychoactive chemicals is subject to involuntary treatment if he or she presents a "likelihood of serious harm" to himself or herself, to any other person or to property.  "Likelihood of serious harm" is defined as a substantial risk of physical harm as evidenced by threats or attempts, or by behavior that puts another in reasonable fear, or by behavior that has caused substantial damage.

At least two-thirds of the members of the citizens advisory council must be former recipients of alcohol or drug addiction services who have been in recovery for at least two years.  Department rules and policies on treatment must be done in collaboration with departmental staff, local government and treatment providers.

Votes on Final Passage:

House  93 0

Senate 49 0 (Senate amended)

House  89 0 (House concurred)

Effective:  April 1, 1994