A bill for an act relating to testimony at involuntary commitment hearings by physician assistants and advanced registered nurse practitioners.

2025-2026 Regular Session

HSB 85 allows physician assistants and nurse practitioners to testify in involuntary commitment hearings, improving access to timely medical insights for better care decisions.

Committee report approving bill, renumbered as HF 313.

#commitmentproceedings #health-relatedprofessions #mentalhealth #nursing #physicianassisting

Bill Overview

Bill Number: HSB 85

Title: A bill for an act relating to testimony at involuntary commitment hearings by physician assistants and advanced registered nurse practitioners.

Status: Committee report approving bill, renumbered as HF 313.

Introduced: January 27, 2025

Classification: Proposed bill

Subject Areas: Commitment proceedings, health-related professions, mental health, nursing, physician assisting.

Purpose and Intent

The primary aim of HSB 85 is to expand the roles of physician assistants (PAs) and advanced registered nurse practitioners (ARNPs) in the legal process of involuntary commitment hearings. This bill seeks to allow these healthcare professionals to provide testimony on behalf of licensed physicians and mental health professionals, thereby streamlining the process and ensuring that the court has access to necessary medical insights during such hearings.

Key Provisions

Testimony by PAs and ARNPs: The bill permits PAs and ARNPs to testify in involuntary commitment hearings for individuals with substance abuse disorders or serious mental impairments, provided they have examined the respondent.

Court Approval: The court must grant an application that includes specific sworn statements for a PA or ARNP to testify on behalf of a licensed physician or mental health professional.

Remote Testimony: If deemed necessary by the court, licensed physicians or mental health professionals may testify via telephone or televised means, enhancing accessibility and efficiency in the hearing process.

Impact

Healthcare Professionals: The bill directly affects PAs and ARNPs by formally recognizing their role in the legal proceedings related to mental health and substance abuse, allowing them to contribute their expertise.

Respondents: Individuals undergoing involuntary commitment hearings may benefit from more timely and relevant testimony, potentially leading to better-informed decisions regarding their care.

Legal System: The inclusion of PAs and ARNPs in the testimony process may help alleviate the burden on licensed physicians and mental health professionals, ensuring that hearings can proceed without unnecessary delays.

Legislative Timeline

January 27, 2025: Bill introduced and referred to the Health and Human Services Committee.

January 28, 2025: Subcommittee meeting held.

January 30, 2025: Subcommittee recommends passage.

February 6, 2025: Committee report recommending passage; committee vote results: 20 Yeas, 0 Nays, 1 Excused.

February 10, 2025: Committee report approving bill, renumbered as HF 313.

This summary provides a clear understanding of HSB 85's objectives, provisions, and potential implications for the healthcare and legal systems involved in mental health and substance abuse commitment proceedings.

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