DIGEST
The digest printed below was prepared by House Legislative Services. It constitutes no part of the
legislative instrument. The keyword, one-liner, abstract, and digest do not constitute part of the law
or proof or indicia of legislative intent. [R.S. 1:13(B) and 24:177(E)]
HB 335 Engrossed 2022 Regular Session Duplessis
Abstract: Identifies a person who is unable to protect himself from serious physical harm or
significant psychiatric deterioration as gravely disabled, defines psychiatric deterioration, and
provides information regarding Physician's reports and affidavits from certain medical health
professionals.
Present law defines "gravely disabled" as the condition of a person who is unable to provide for his
own basic physical needs as a result of serious mental illness or a substance-related or addictive
disorder and is unable to survive safely in freedom or protect himself from serious harm.
Proposed law expands the definition of "gravely disabled" to include a person who is unable to
protect himself from serious physical harm or significant psychiatric deterioration.
Proposed law defines "psychiatric deterioration" as a decline in mental functioning, which
diminishes the person's capacity to reason, exercise judgment, or control his behavior.
Proposed law removes content requirements for a Physician's Report to Court or an affidavit from
a medical health professional when the Physician's Report to Court or affidavit accompanies a
petition from present law.
Proposed law allows the court to appoint a physician, psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner,
or psychologist who has been put forth by the petitioner.
Proposed law allows the court to accept a Physician's Report to Court that has been completed
pursuant to an examination of the respondent within 10 days of the petition.
(Amends R.S. 28:2(13) and 69(B)(2); Adds R.S. 28:2(40); Repeals R.S. 28:68(C))
Summary of Amendments Adopted by House
The Committee Amendments Proposed by House Committee on Health and Welfare to the
original bill:
1. Allow the court to appoint a physician, psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner, or
psychologist who has been put forth by the petitioner.
2. Allow the court to accept a Physician's Report to Court that has been completed pursuant to an examination of the respondent within 10 days of the petition.
3. Remove content requirements for a Physician's Report to Court or an affidavit when the
Physician's report or affidavit accompanies a petition.
4. Make technical corrections.