Arizona 2024 Regular Session

Arizona Senate Bill SB1309 Compare Versions

OldNewDifferences
1-Senate Engrossed mental health evaluations; information; consent. State of Arizona Senate Fifty-sixth Legislature Second Regular Session 2024 CHAPTER 182 SENATE BILL 1309 An Act amending sections 36-514, 36-520, 36-522, 36-523, 36-530 and 36-533, Arizona Revised Statutes; relating to mental health services. (TEXT OF BILL BEGINS ON NEXT PAGE)
1+Senate Engrossed mental health evaluations; information; consent. State of Arizona Senate Fifty-sixth Legislature Second Regular Session 2024 SENATE BILL 1309 An Act amending sections 36-514, 36-520, 36-522, 36-523, 36-530 and 36-533, Arizona Revised Statutes; relating to mental health services. (TEXT OF BILL BEGINS ON NEXT PAGE)
2+
3+
4+
5+
26
37
48
59 Senate Engrossed mental health evaluations; information; consent.
610 State of Arizona Senate Fifty-sixth Legislature Second Regular Session 2024
7-CHAPTER 182
811 SENATE BILL 1309
912
1013 Senate Engrossed
1114
1215
1316
1417 mental health evaluations; information; consent.
18+
19+
1520
1621
1722
1823
1924
2025
2126
2227 State of Arizona
2328
2429 Senate
2530
2631 Fifty-sixth Legislature
2732
2833 Second Regular Session
2934
3035 2024
3136
3237
3338
3439
3540
3641
3742
38-CHAPTER 182
43+SENATE BILL 1309
3944
4045
41-
42-SENATE BILL 1309
4346
4447
4548
4649
4750
4851
4952
5053 An Act
5154
5255
5356
5457 amending sections 36-514, 36-520, 36-522, 36-523, 36-530 and 36-533, Arizona Revised Statutes; relating to mental health services.
5558
5659
5760
5861
5962
6063 (TEXT OF BILL BEGINS ON NEXT PAGE)
6164
6265
6366
6467 Be it enacted by the Legislature of the State of Arizona: Section 1. Section 36-514, Arizona Revised Statutes, is amended to read: START_STATUTE36-514. Visitation; telephone; correspondence; religious freedom; legal residence A. Every person who is detained for evaluation or treatment pursuant to this chapter shall have the following additional rights: 1. To be visited by the person's personal physician or other health care professional, guardian, agent appointed pursuant to chapter 32 of this title, attorney and clergyman or any other person, subject to reasonable limitations as the individual in charge of the agency may direct. 2. To have reasonable access to telephones between the hours of 9:00 a.m. and 9:00 p.m. to make and receive confidential calls. In addition, a person who is confined pursuant to this title is allowed to make two completed local telephone calls within two hours of after initial confinement. Long-distance calls are allowed if the patient can pay the agency for them or can properly charge them to another number. The agency may restrict the telephone privileges of a patient if it is notified by the person receiving the calls that the person is being harassed by the calls and wishes them curtailed or halted. Restriction of telephone privileges shall be entered into the patient's clinical record and the information in the record shall be made available on request to the person and that person's attorney, guardian or agent appointed pursuant to chapter 32 of this title. 3. To be furnished with reasonable amounts of stationery and postage and to be permitted allowed to correspond by mail without censorship with any person. 4. To enjoy religious freedom and the right to continue the practice of the person's religion in accordance with its tenets during the detainment, except that this right may not interfere with the operation of the agency. B. Court-ordered evaluation or treatment pursuant to this chapter does not operate to change the legal residence of a patient.END_STATUTE Sec. 2. Section 36-520, Arizona Revised Statutes, is amended to read: START_STATUTE36-520. Application for evaluation; definition A. Any responsible individual may apply for a court-ordered evaluation of a person who is alleged to be, as a result of a mental disorder, a danger to self or to others or a person with a persistent or acute disability or a grave disability and who is unwilling or unable to undergo a voluntary evaluation. The application shall be made in the prescribed form and manner as adopted by the director. B. The application for evaluation shall include the following data, if known: 1. The name, and address if known, of the proposed patient for whom evaluation is applied. 2. The age, date of birth, sex, race, marital status, occupation, social security number, present location, dates and places of previous hospitalizations, names and addresses of the guardian, agent under a health care power of attorney or mental health care power of attorney, spouse, next of kin and significant other persons and other data that the director may require on the form to whatever extent that this data is known and is applicable to the proposed patient. 3. The name, address and relationship of the person who is applying for the evaluation. 4. A statement that the proposed patient is exhibiting behaviors that may be consistent with a mental disorder and is believed to be, as a result of a mental disorder, a danger to self or to others or a patient with a persistent or acute disability or a grave disability and the facts on which this statement is based. 5. A statement from the applicant of whether the applicant believes that the proposed patient is or is not willing or able to undergo voluntary evaluation and the facts on which this statement is based. 6. A statement of the proposed patient's relevant history of mental health diagnosis, treatment recommended or provided and compliance with the treatment recommended or provided. 5. 7. A statement that the applicant believes the proposed patient is in need of screening, evaluation, supervision, care and treatment and the facts on which this statement is based. 8. Copies of all documents relating to guardianship or powers of attorney that allow the guardian or agent to consent to inpatient psychiatric treatment, which shall be attached to the application if available at the time of the application. 9. A statement by the applicant of whether the applicant believes that, without a period of inpatient observation, stabilization and assessment, or emergency inpatient psychiatric hospitalization, the proposed patient is likely to cause or endure serious physical harm or injury and the facts supporting that statement. 10. To the extent known, the names and contact information of persons other than the applicant who have witnessed the behavior exhibited by the proposed patient on which the application is based. The screening agency may not deny or refuse to process an application because no other witnesses have been identified. C. The application shall be signed and notarized. For an application made by a peace officer or a health care professional who is licensed pursuant to title 32, chapter 13, 15, 17 or 19.1, a copy of the application that contains the applicant's original signature is acceptable, does not have to be notarized and may be submitted as the written application. D. The screening agency shall offer assistance to the applicant in preparation of the application. On receipt of the application, the screening agency shall immediately note on the front of the application the time and date of receipt, shall log this information in a record of applications received by the screening agency and shall act as prescribed in section 36-521 within forty-eight hours of after the filing of the application, excluding weekends and holidays. If the application is not acted upon on within forty-eight hours, the reasons for not acting promptly shall be reviewed by the director of the screening agency or the director's designee and the reasons shall be stated in the report required by section 36-521, subsection B. E. If the applicant for the court-ordered evaluation presents the person to be evaluated at the screening agency, the agency shall conduct a prepetition screening examination. Except in the case of an emergency evaluation, the person to be evaluated shall not be detained or forced to undergo prepetition screening against the person's will. F. In the course of conducting a prepetition screening, the screening agency shall accept and consider information relevant to the present behavior and past behavioral health history of the proposed patient from persons who have a significant relationship with the proposed patient, including family members and guardians. F. G. If the applicant for the court-ordered evaluation does not present the person to be evaluated at the screening agency, the agency shall conduct the prepetition screening at the home of the person to be evaluated or any other place the person to be evaluated is found. If prepetition screening is not possible, the screening agency shall proceed as prescribed in section 36-521, subsection B. G. H. If a person is being treated by prayer or spiritual means alone in accordance with the tenets and practices of a recognized church or religious denomination by a duly accredited practitioner of that church or denomination, such the person may not be ordered evaluated, detained or involuntarily treated unless the court has determined that the person is, as a result of mental disorder, a danger to others or to self. H. Court-ordered evaluation or treatment pursuant to this chapter does not operate to change the legal residence of a patient. I. If the application is not acted on because it has been determined that the proposed patient does not need an evaluation, the agency after a period of six months shall destroy the application and any other evidence of the application. J. For the purposes of this section, "person" includes a person who: 1. Is under eighteen years of age. 2. Has been transferred to the criminal division of the superior court pursuant to section 8-327 or who has been charged with an offense pursuant to section 13-501. 3. Is under the supervision of an adult probation department.END_STATUTE Sec. 3. Section 36-522, Arizona Revised Statutes, is amended to read: START_STATUTE36-522. Voluntary evaluations; consent; failure to complete; definitions A. On receipt of an application for court-ordered evaluation, if the petition for court-ordered evaluation is not filed because it has been determined that the proposed patient will voluntarily receive an evaluation and is unlikely to present a danger to self or others until the voluntary evaluation, the evaluation agency provided for by the county, or a licensed behavioral health provider selected by the proposed patient, shall be immediately notified by the evaluation agency and shall provide a voluntary evaluation of the proposed patient at a scheduled time and place within ten days after the notice. The voluntary evaluation may be on an inpatient or outpatient basis and on completion shall be immediately delivered to the evaluation agency provided for by the county. The evaluation agency provided for by the county shall confirm receipt of the voluntary evaluation. If the voluntary evaluation recommends that the patient receive a court-ordered evaluation, the recommendation must be accompanied with an application for court-ordered evaluation. B. Voluntary inpatient evaluation is subject to article 3 of this chapter. Informed consent for voluntary inpatient evaluation may be granted by the person, the person's court-appointed guardian with inpatient authority or the person's designated agent pursuant to a power of attorney that includes authority to consent to inpatient evaluation or treatment. C. Voluntary outpatient evaluation shall conform to the requirements of section 36-530, subsection D and section 36-531, subsections B, C and D and shall proceed only after the person to be evaluated has given consent to be evaluated by signing a form prescribed by the director that includes information to the proposed patient that the patient-physician privilege does not apply and that the voluntary outpatient evaluation may result in a petition for the person to undergo court-ordered treatment or for guardianship. Informed consent for voluntary outpatient evaluation may be granted by the person, the person's court-appointed guardian or the person's designated agent pursuant to a power of attorney that includes authority to consent to evaluation or treatment. D. If the person who requested a voluntary evaluation does not appear or does not complete the appointments scheduled, the evaluation agency provided for by the county shall be immediately notified by the provider who was to conduct the voluntary evaluation. The evaluation agency shall then provide prepetition screening of the application for court-ordered evaluation in accordance with sections 36-521 and 36-521.01. E. For the purposes of this section: 1. "Licensed behavioral health provider" means any of the following: (a) A person who is licensed pursuant to title 32, chapter 33 and whose scope of practice allows the person to either: (i) Independently engage in the practice of behavioral health. (ii) Except for a licensed substance abuse technician, engage in the practice of behavioral health under direct supervision. (b) A psychiatrist. (c) A psychologist who is licensed pursuant to title 32, chapter 19.1. (d) A registered nurse practitioner who is licensed pursuant to title 32, chapter 15 and who is certified as an adult psychiatric and mental health nurse. 2. "Practice of behavioral health" has the same meaning prescribed in section 32-3251. END_STATUTE Sec. 4. Section 36-523, Arizona Revised Statutes, is amended to read: START_STATUTE36-523. Petition for evaluation A. The petition for evaluation shall contain the following: 1. The name, address and interest in the case of the individual who applied for the petition. 2. The name, and address if known, of the proposed patient for whom evaluation is petitioned. 3. The present whereabouts of the proposed patient, if known. 4. A statement alleging that there is reasonable cause to believe that the proposed patient has a mental disorder and is as a result a danger to self or others, has a persistent or acute disability or a grave disability and is unwilling or unable to undergo voluntary evaluation. 5. A summary of the facts that support the allegations that the proposed patient is dangerous, has a persistent or acute disability or a grave disability and is unwilling or unable to be voluntarily evaluated, including the facts that brought the proposed patient to the screening agency's attention. 6. If the petition is filed by a prosecutor pursuant to section 13-4517, any known criminal history of the proposed patient, including whether the proposed patient has ever been found incompetent to stand trial pursuant to section 13-4510. 7. A statement of any facts and circumstances that lead the petitioner to believe that the proposed patient may be safely transported to the evaluation agency by an authorized transporter, if available in the jurisdiction, without the assistance of a peace officer. 8. The petition shall state the names and contact information of any persons known who witnessed the behavior exhibited by the proposed patient on which the petition is based. The agency may not decline to process a petition for court-ordered evaluation because no witnesses acquainted with the proposed patient have been identified. 8. 9. Other information that the director by rule or the court by rule or order may require. B. The petition shall request that the court issue an order requiring that the proposed patient be given an evaluation and shall advise the court of both of the following: 1. That the opinion of the petitioner is either that the proposed patient is or is not in such a condition that without immediate or continuing hospitalization the patient is likely to suffer serious physical harm or further deterioration or inflict serious physical harm on another person. 2. If the opinion of the petitioner is that the proposed patient is not in the condition described in paragraph 1 of this subsection, that the opinion of the petitioner is either that the evaluation should or should not take place on an outpatient basis. C. The petition for evaluation shall be accompanied by the application for evaluation, by the recommendation of the county attorney pursuant to section 36-521 and by a prepetition screening report, unless the documents have not been prepared under a provision of law or in accordance with an order of the court. The petition for evaluation shall also be accompanied by a copy of the application for emergency admission if one exists. D. A petition and other forms required in a court may be filed only by the screening agency that has prepared the petition. E. If the petition is not filed because it has been determined that the person does not need an evaluation, the agency after a period of six months shall destroy the petition and the various reports annexed to the petition as required by this section. F. If the petition is not filed because it has been determined that the person does not need an evaluation and a prosecutor filed a petition pursuant to section 13-4517, the person shall be remanded for a disposition pursuant to section 13-4517. If the person is out of custody, the court may order that the person be taken into custody for a disposition pursuant to this section. END_STATUTE Sec. 5. Section 36-530, Arizona Revised Statutes, is amended to read: START_STATUTE36-530. Evaluation and treatment A. A person who is admitted to an evaluation agency shall receive an evaluation as soon as possible after the court's order for evaluation and, subject to the provisions of sections 36-512 and 36-513 concerning the person's right to refuse treatment, receive care and treatment as required by his the person's condition for the full period that he the person is hospitalized. A clinical record shall be kept for each person which that details all medical and psychiatric evaluations and all care and treatment received by the person. B. A person receiving an evaluation on an inpatient basis will remain in the facility during the evaluation, which shall be completed in less than seventy-two hours. C. A person being evaluated on an outpatient basis will not remain in the facility overnight but will be examined during the usual outpatient working hours of the facility on a schedule of appointments. The evaluation will be completed not later than the fourth day after the first appointment, excluding Saturdays, Sundays and holidays. D. If a person who has been directed by court order to appear for evaluation does not appear, or in the case of an outpatient evaluation does not complete the appointments scheduled, the evaluation agency shall notify the court and the person's guardian, if any, of the known facts and circumstances and, if appropriate, request that the court order the patient taken into custody for evaluation on an inpatient basis. E. In the course of conducting an evaluation, the evaluation agency shall solicit, accept and consider information relevant to the present behavior and past behavioral health history of the proposed patient from persons known to the agency who have a significant relationship with the proposed patient, including family members and guardians. END_STATUTE Sec. 6. Section 36-533, Arizona Revised Statutes, is amended to read: START_STATUTE36-533. Petition for treatment A. The petition for court-ordered treatment shall allege: 1. That the patient is in need of a period of treatment because the patient, as a result of mental disorder, is a danger to self or to others or has a persistent or acute disability or a grave disability. 2. The treatment alternatives that are appropriate or available. 3. That the patient is unwilling to accept or incapable of accepting treatment voluntarily. B. The petition shall be accompanied by the affidavits of the two physicians who participated in the evaluation and by the affidavit of the applicant for the evaluation, if any. In a county with a population of less than five hundred thousand persons, the petition may be accompanied by the affidavits of one physician and either one physician assistant who is experienced in psychiatric matters or one psychiatric and mental health nurse practitioner who conducted an independent evaluation and by the affidavit of the applicant for the evaluation, if any. The affidavits of the physicians or other health professionals shall describe in detail the behavior that indicates that the person, as a result of mental disorder, is a danger to self or to others or has a persistent or acute disability or a grave disability and shall be based on the physician's or other health professional's observations of the patient and study of information about the patient. A summary of the facts that support the allegations of the petition shall be included. The affidavit shall also include any of the results of the physical examination of the patient if relevant to the patient's psychiatric condition. C. The petition shall request the court to issue an order requiring the person to undergo a period of treatment. If a prosecutor filed a petition pursuant to section 13-4517, the petition must be accompanied by any known criminal history of the person and any previous findings of incompetency. D. If the petition requests the court to determine that the patient is chronically resistant to treatment pursuant to section 36-550.09, the petition shall allege the facts that support the request. D. E. The petition shall also include: 1. A statement that in the opinion of the petitioner the person does or does not require guardianship or conservatorship, or both, under title 14 and the reasons on which the statement is based. 2. A request that the court order an independent investigation and report for the court if in the opinion of the petitioner the person does require guardianship or conservatorship, or both. 3. A statement that in the opinion of the petitioner the person does or does not require temporary guardianship or conservatorship, or both, and the reasons on which the statement is based. 4. A request that the court appoint a temporary guardian or conservator, or both, if in the opinion of the petitioner the person does require temporary guardianship or conservatorship, or both. 5. If the person has an existing guardian, a statement identifying the existing guardian and a request that the court consider imposing additional duties on the existing guardian pursuant to section 14-5312.01. E. F. If the petition contains a request for court action pursuant to subsection D E of this section, a copy of the petition shall be mailed to any person or agency that is nominated as guardian or conservator or the person who is identified as an existing guardian. F. G. A copy of all petitions shall be mailed to the superintendent of the Arizona state hospital. G. H. On the filing of a petition for court-ordered treatment, if the patient is not detained in an evaluation agency when the petition is filed, the petition shall contain a statement of any facts and circumstances that lead the petitioner to believe that the proposed patient may be safely transported to the evaluation agency pursuant to section 36-535 by an authorized transporter, if available in the jurisdiction, without the assistance of a peace officer. END_STATUTE
6568
6669 Be it enacted by the Legislature of the State of Arizona:
6770
6871 Section 1. Section 36-514, Arizona Revised Statutes, is amended to read:
6972
7073 START_STATUTE36-514. Visitation; telephone; correspondence; religious freedom; legal residence
7174
7275 A. Every person who is detained for evaluation or treatment pursuant to this chapter shall have the following additional rights:
7376
7477 1. To be visited by the person's personal physician or other health care professional, guardian, agent appointed pursuant to chapter 32 of this title, attorney and clergyman or any other person, subject to reasonable limitations as the individual in charge of the agency may direct.
7578
7679 2. To have reasonable access to telephones between the hours of 9:00 a.m. and 9:00 p.m. to make and receive confidential calls. In addition, a person who is confined pursuant to this title is allowed to make two completed local telephone calls within two hours of after initial confinement. Long-distance calls are allowed if the patient can pay the agency for them or can properly charge them to another number. The agency may restrict the telephone privileges of a patient if it is notified by the person receiving the calls that the person is being harassed by the calls and wishes them curtailed or halted. Restriction of telephone privileges shall be entered into the patient's clinical record and the information in the record shall be made available on request to the person and that person's attorney, guardian or agent appointed pursuant to chapter 32 of this title.
7780
7881 3. To be furnished with reasonable amounts of stationery and postage and to be permitted allowed to correspond by mail without censorship with any person.
7982
8083 4. To enjoy religious freedom and the right to continue the practice of the person's religion in accordance with its tenets during the detainment, except that this right may not interfere with the operation of the agency.
8184
8285 B. Court-ordered evaluation or treatment pursuant to this chapter does not operate to change the legal residence of a patient.END_STATUTE
8386
8487 Sec. 2. Section 36-520, Arizona Revised Statutes, is amended to read:
8588
8689 START_STATUTE36-520. Application for evaluation; definition
8790
8891 A. Any responsible individual may apply for a court-ordered evaluation of a person who is alleged to be, as a result of a mental disorder, a danger to self or to others or a person with a persistent or acute disability or a grave disability and who is unwilling or unable to undergo a voluntary evaluation. The application shall be made in the prescribed form and manner as adopted by the director.
8992
9093 B. The application for evaluation shall include the following data, if known:
9194
9295 1. The name, and address if known, of the proposed patient for whom evaluation is applied.
9396
9497 2. The age, date of birth, sex, race, marital status, occupation, social security number, present location, dates and places of previous hospitalizations, names and addresses of the guardian, agent under a health care power of attorney or mental health care power of attorney, spouse, next of kin and significant other persons and other data that the director may require on the form to whatever extent that this data is known and is applicable to the proposed patient.
9598
9699 3. The name, address and relationship of the person who is applying for the evaluation.
97100
98101 4. A statement that the proposed patient is exhibiting behaviors that may be consistent with a mental disorder and is believed to be, as a result of a mental disorder, a danger to self or to others or a patient with a persistent or acute disability or a grave disability and the facts on which this statement is based.
99102
100103 5. A statement from the applicant of whether the applicant believes that the proposed patient is or is not willing or able to undergo voluntary evaluation and the facts on which this statement is based.
101104
102105 6. A statement of the proposed patient's relevant history of mental health diagnosis, treatment recommended or provided and compliance with the treatment recommended or provided.
103106
104107 5. 7. A statement that the applicant believes the proposed patient is in need of screening, evaluation, supervision, care and treatment and the facts on which this statement is based.
105108
106109 8. Copies of all documents relating to guardianship or powers of attorney that allow the guardian or agent to consent to inpatient psychiatric treatment, which shall be attached to the application if available at the time of the application.
107110
108111 9. A statement by the applicant of whether the applicant believes that, without a period of inpatient observation, stabilization and assessment, or emergency inpatient psychiatric hospitalization, the proposed patient is likely to cause or endure serious physical harm or injury and the facts supporting that statement.
109112
110113 10. To the extent known, the names and contact information of persons other than the applicant who have witnessed the behavior exhibited by the proposed patient on which the application is based. The screening agency may not deny or refuse to process an application because no other witnesses have been identified.
111114
112115 C. The application shall be signed and notarized. For an application made by a peace officer or a health care professional who is licensed pursuant to title 32, chapter 13, 15, 17 or 19.1, a copy of the application that contains the applicant's original signature is acceptable, does not have to be notarized and may be submitted as the written application.
113116
114117 D. The screening agency shall offer assistance to the applicant in preparation of the application. On receipt of the application, the screening agency shall immediately note on the front of the application the time and date of receipt, shall log this information in a record of applications received by the screening agency and shall act as prescribed in section 36-521 within forty-eight hours of after the filing of the application, excluding weekends and holidays. If the application is not acted upon on within forty-eight hours, the reasons for not acting promptly shall be reviewed by the director of the screening agency or the director's designee and the reasons shall be stated in the report required by section 36-521, subsection B.
115118
116119 E. If the applicant for the court-ordered evaluation presents the person to be evaluated at the screening agency, the agency shall conduct a prepetition screening examination. Except in the case of an emergency evaluation, the person to be evaluated shall not be detained or forced to undergo prepetition screening against the person's will.
117120
118121 F. In the course of conducting a prepetition screening, the screening agency shall accept and consider information relevant to the present behavior and past behavioral health history of the proposed patient from persons who have a significant relationship with the proposed patient, including family members and guardians.
119122
120123 F. G. If the applicant for the court-ordered evaluation does not present the person to be evaluated at the screening agency, the agency shall conduct the prepetition screening at the home of the person to be evaluated or any other place the person to be evaluated is found. If prepetition screening is not possible, the screening agency shall proceed as prescribed in section 36-521, subsection B.
121124
122125 G. H. If a person is being treated by prayer or spiritual means alone in accordance with the tenets and practices of a recognized church or religious denomination by a duly accredited practitioner of that church or denomination, such the person may not be ordered evaluated, detained or involuntarily treated unless the court has determined that the person is, as a result of mental disorder, a danger to others or to self.
123126
124127 H. Court-ordered evaluation or treatment pursuant to this chapter does not operate to change the legal residence of a patient.
125128
126129 I. If the application is not acted on because it has been determined that the proposed patient does not need an evaluation, the agency after a period of six months shall destroy the application and any other evidence of the application.
127130
128131 J. For the purposes of this section, "person" includes a person who:
129132
130133 1. Is under eighteen years of age.
131134
132135 2. Has been transferred to the criminal division of the superior court pursuant to section 8-327 or who has been charged with an offense pursuant to section 13-501.
133136
134137 3. Is under the supervision of an adult probation department.END_STATUTE
135138
136139 Sec. 3. Section 36-522, Arizona Revised Statutes, is amended to read:
137140
138141 START_STATUTE36-522. Voluntary evaluations; consent; failure to complete; definitions
139142
140143 A. On receipt of an application for court-ordered evaluation, if the petition for court-ordered evaluation is not filed because it has been determined that the proposed patient will voluntarily receive an evaluation and is unlikely to present a danger to self or others until the voluntary evaluation, the evaluation agency provided for by the county, or a licensed behavioral health provider selected by the proposed patient, shall be immediately notified by the evaluation agency and shall provide a voluntary evaluation of the proposed patient at a scheduled time and place within ten days after the notice. The voluntary evaluation may be on an inpatient or outpatient basis and on completion shall be immediately delivered to the evaluation agency provided for by the county. The evaluation agency provided for by the county shall confirm receipt of the voluntary evaluation. If the voluntary evaluation recommends that the patient receive a court-ordered evaluation, the recommendation must be accompanied with an application for court-ordered evaluation.
141144
142145 B. Voluntary inpatient evaluation is subject to article 3 of this chapter. Informed consent for voluntary inpatient evaluation may be granted by the person, the person's court-appointed guardian with inpatient authority or the person's designated agent pursuant to a power of attorney that includes authority to consent to inpatient evaluation or treatment.
143146
144147 C. Voluntary outpatient evaluation shall conform to the requirements of section 36-530, subsection D and section 36-531, subsections B, C and D and shall proceed only after the person to be evaluated has given consent to be evaluated by signing a form prescribed by the director that includes information to the proposed patient that the patient-physician privilege does not apply and that the voluntary outpatient evaluation may result in a petition for the person to undergo court-ordered treatment or for guardianship. Informed consent for voluntary outpatient evaluation may be granted by the person, the person's court-appointed guardian or the person's designated agent pursuant to a power of attorney that includes authority to consent to evaluation or treatment.
145148
146149 D. If the person who requested a voluntary evaluation does not appear or does not complete the appointments scheduled, the evaluation agency provided for by the county shall be immediately notified by the provider who was to conduct the voluntary evaluation. The evaluation agency shall then provide prepetition screening of the application for court-ordered evaluation in accordance with sections 36-521 and 36-521.01.
147150
148151 E. For the purposes of this section:
149152
150153 1. "Licensed behavioral health provider" means any of the following:
151154
152155 (a) A person who is licensed pursuant to title 32, chapter 33 and whose scope of practice allows the person to either:
153156
154157 (i) Independently engage in the practice of behavioral health.
155158
156159 (ii) Except for a licensed substance abuse technician, engage in the practice of behavioral health under direct supervision.
157160
158161 (b) A psychiatrist.
159162
160163 (c) A psychologist who is licensed pursuant to title 32, chapter 19.1.
161164
162165 (d) A registered nurse practitioner who is licensed pursuant to title 32, chapter 15 and who is certified as an adult psychiatric and mental health nurse.
163166
164167 2. "Practice of behavioral health" has the same meaning prescribed in section 32-3251. END_STATUTE
165168
166169 Sec. 4. Section 36-523, Arizona Revised Statutes, is amended to read:
167170
168171 START_STATUTE36-523. Petition for evaluation
169172
170173 A. The petition for evaluation shall contain the following:
171174
172175 1. The name, address and interest in the case of the individual who applied for the petition.
173176
174177 2. The name, and address if known, of the proposed patient for whom evaluation is petitioned.
175178
176179 3. The present whereabouts of the proposed patient, if known.
177180
178181 4. A statement alleging that there is reasonable cause to believe that the proposed patient has a mental disorder and is as a result a danger to self or others, has a persistent or acute disability or a grave disability and is unwilling or unable to undergo voluntary evaluation.
179182
180183 5. A summary of the facts that support the allegations that the proposed patient is dangerous, has a persistent or acute disability or a grave disability and is unwilling or unable to be voluntarily evaluated, including the facts that brought the proposed patient to the screening agency's attention.
181184
182185 6. If the petition is filed by a prosecutor pursuant to section 13-4517, any known criminal history of the proposed patient, including whether the proposed patient has ever been found incompetent to stand trial pursuant to section 13-4510.
183186
184187 7. A statement of any facts and circumstances that lead the petitioner to believe that the proposed patient may be safely transported to the evaluation agency by an authorized transporter, if available in the jurisdiction, without the assistance of a peace officer.
185188
186189 8. The petition shall state the names and contact information of any persons known who witnessed the behavior exhibited by the proposed patient on which the petition is based. The agency may not decline to process a petition for court-ordered evaluation because no witnesses acquainted with the proposed patient have been identified.
187190
188191 8. 9. Other information that the director by rule or the court by rule or order may require.
189192
190193 B. The petition shall request that the court issue an order requiring that the proposed patient be given an evaluation and shall advise the court of both of the following:
191194
192195 1. That the opinion of the petitioner is either that the proposed patient is or is not in such a condition that without immediate or continuing hospitalization the patient is likely to suffer serious physical harm or further deterioration or inflict serious physical harm on another person.
193196
194197 2. If the opinion of the petitioner is that the proposed patient is not in the condition described in paragraph 1 of this subsection, that the opinion of the petitioner is either that the evaluation should or should not take place on an outpatient basis.
195198
196199 C. The petition for evaluation shall be accompanied by the application for evaluation, by the recommendation of the county attorney pursuant to section 36-521 and by a prepetition screening report, unless the documents have not been prepared under a provision of law or in accordance with an order of the court. The petition for evaluation shall also be accompanied by a copy of the application for emergency admission if one exists.
197200
198201 D. A petition and other forms required in a court may be filed only by the screening agency that has prepared the petition.
199202
200203 E. If the petition is not filed because it has been determined that the person does not need an evaluation, the agency after a period of six months shall destroy the petition and the various reports annexed to the petition as required by this section.
201204
202205 F. If the petition is not filed because it has been determined that the person does not need an evaluation and a prosecutor filed a petition pursuant to section 13-4517, the person shall be remanded for a disposition pursuant to section 13-4517. If the person is out of custody, the court may order that the person be taken into custody for a disposition pursuant to this section. END_STATUTE
203206
204207 Sec. 5. Section 36-530, Arizona Revised Statutes, is amended to read:
205208
206209 START_STATUTE36-530. Evaluation and treatment
207210
208211 A. A person who is admitted to an evaluation agency shall receive an evaluation as soon as possible after the court's order for evaluation and, subject to the provisions of sections 36-512 and 36-513 concerning the person's right to refuse treatment, receive care and treatment as required by his the person's condition for the full period that he the person is hospitalized. A clinical record shall be kept for each person which that details all medical and psychiatric evaluations and all care and treatment received by the person.
209212
210213 B. A person receiving an evaluation on an inpatient basis will remain in the facility during the evaluation, which shall be completed in less than seventy-two hours.
211214
212215 C. A person being evaluated on an outpatient basis will not remain in the facility overnight but will be examined during the usual outpatient working hours of the facility on a schedule of appointments. The evaluation will be completed not later than the fourth day after the first appointment, excluding Saturdays, Sundays and holidays.
213216
214217 D. If a person who has been directed by court order to appear for evaluation does not appear, or in the case of an outpatient evaluation does not complete the appointments scheduled, the evaluation agency shall notify the court and the person's guardian, if any, of the known facts and circumstances and, if appropriate, request that the court order the patient taken into custody for evaluation on an inpatient basis.
215218
216219 E. In the course of conducting an evaluation, the evaluation agency shall solicit, accept and consider information relevant to the present behavior and past behavioral health history of the proposed patient from persons known to the agency who have a significant relationship with the proposed patient, including family members and guardians. END_STATUTE
217220
218221 Sec. 6. Section 36-533, Arizona Revised Statutes, is amended to read:
219222
220223 START_STATUTE36-533. Petition for treatment
221224
222225 A. The petition for court-ordered treatment shall allege:
223226
224227 1. That the patient is in need of a period of treatment because the patient, as a result of mental disorder, is a danger to self or to others or has a persistent or acute disability or a grave disability.
225228
226229 2. The treatment alternatives that are appropriate or available.
227230
228231 3. That the patient is unwilling to accept or incapable of accepting treatment voluntarily.
229232
230233 B. The petition shall be accompanied by the affidavits of the two physicians who participated in the evaluation and by the affidavit of the applicant for the evaluation, if any. In a county with a population of less than five hundred thousand persons, the petition may be accompanied by the affidavits of one physician and either one physician assistant who is experienced in psychiatric matters or one psychiatric and mental health nurse practitioner who conducted an independent evaluation and by the affidavit of the applicant for the evaluation, if any. The affidavits of the physicians or other health professionals shall describe in detail the behavior that indicates that the person, as a result of mental disorder, is a danger to self or to others or has a persistent or acute disability or a grave disability and shall be based on the physician's or other health professional's observations of the patient and study of information about the patient. A summary of the facts that support the allegations of the petition shall be included. The affidavit shall also include any of the results of the physical examination of the patient if relevant to the patient's psychiatric condition.
231234
232235 C. The petition shall request the court to issue an order requiring the person to undergo a period of treatment. If a prosecutor filed a petition pursuant to section 13-4517, the petition must be accompanied by any known criminal history of the person and any previous findings of incompetency.
233236
234237 D. If the petition requests the court to determine that the patient is chronically resistant to treatment pursuant to section 36-550.09, the petition shall allege the facts that support the request.
235238
236239 D. E. The petition shall also include:
237240
238241 1. A statement that in the opinion of the petitioner the person does or does not require guardianship or conservatorship, or both, under title 14 and the reasons on which the statement is based.
239242
240243 2. A request that the court order an independent investigation and report for the court if in the opinion of the petitioner the person does require guardianship or conservatorship, or both.
241244
242245 3. A statement that in the opinion of the petitioner the person does or does not require temporary guardianship or conservatorship, or both, and the reasons on which the statement is based.
243246
244247 4. A request that the court appoint a temporary guardian or conservator, or both, if in the opinion of the petitioner the person does require temporary guardianship or conservatorship, or both.
245248
246249 5. If the person has an existing guardian, a statement identifying the existing guardian and a request that the court consider imposing additional duties on the existing guardian pursuant to section 14-5312.01.
247250
248251 E. F. If the petition contains a request for court action pursuant to subsection D E of this section, a copy of the petition shall be mailed to any person or agency that is nominated as guardian or conservator or the person who is identified as an existing guardian.
249252
250253 F. G. A copy of all petitions shall be mailed to the superintendent of the Arizona state hospital.
251254
252255 G. H. On the filing of a petition for court-ordered treatment, if the patient is not detained in an evaluation agency when the petition is filed, the petition shall contain a statement of any facts and circumstances that lead the petitioner to believe that the proposed patient may be safely transported to the evaluation agency pursuant to section 36-535 by an authorized transporter, if available in the jurisdiction, without the assistance of a peace officer. END_STATUTE
253-
254- APPROVED BY THE GOVERNOR MAY 6, 2024. FILED IN THE OFFICE OF THE SECRETARY OF STATE MAY 6, 2024.
255-
256-
257-
258-
259-
260-
261-
262-APPROVED BY THE GOVERNOR MAY 6, 2024.
263-
264-
265-
266-FILED IN THE OFFICE OF THE SECRETARY OF STATE MAY 6, 2024.