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HB 1169

Access to birth control program.

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Jim Lucas

House Bill 1169 expands involuntary commitment criteria for individuals with medical-related behavioral health impairments, ensuring they receive necessary mental health treatment.

Recommitted to Committee on Ways and Means pursuant to House Rule 126.3
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Bill Summary · HB 1169

Summary of House Bill 1169

Bill Overview

  • Bill Number: HB 1169
  • Title: Relating to University of Hawaii Conference Center Revolving Fund
  • Status: Act 097, effective May 27, 2025
  • Introduced: January 16, 2025
  • Primary Sponsor: Representative L. Johnson
  • Companion Bill: SB 1488

Purpose and Intent

House Bill 1169 aims to clarify and amend the admission criteria for involuntary commitment of individuals experiencing mental health issues, particularly those whose conditions are a result of medical conditions. The bill seeks to ensure that individuals who pose a clear and present danger to themselves or others due to a behavioral health impairment, stemming from a medical condition, can be appropriately committed for treatment.

Key Provisions

The bill introduces several significant amendments to existing Arkansas Code regarding mental health commitment:

  1. Definition of Behavioral Health Impairment:

    • The bill adds a new definition for "behavioral health impairment," which refers to substantial impairments in emotional processes, conscious control of actions, or perception of reality, manifested by abnormal behavior that interferes with daily living activities.

  2. Involuntary Admission Criteria:

    • The criteria for involuntary admission to healthcare facilities are expanded to include individuals with medical conditions (e.g., dementia, encephalitis, delirium) that result in behavioral health impairments, alongside those with mental illnesses.

  3. Clear and Present Danger:

    • The definition of "clear and present danger" is refined to include individuals needing ongoing mental health treatment to prevent deterioration of their condition.

  4. Immediate Confinement Procedures:

    • The bill outlines procedures for the immediate confinement of individuals for initial evaluation and treatment, including:
      • Notification of rights.
      • Regular evaluations by healthcare professionals.
      • Provision of contact information for patient relations departments.

Impact

The bill is expected to affect:
- Individuals with Mental Health Conditions: It broadens the scope of individuals who can be involuntarily committed for treatment, ensuring that those with medical-related behavioral health impairments receive necessary care.
- Healthcare Facilities: Hospitals and treatment facilities will need to adapt their protocols to comply with the new criteria and procedures for involuntary admissions.
- Mental Health Professionals: The bill may require additional training and resources for professionals involved in the assessment and treatment of individuals under the new criteria.

Procedural Timeline

  • January 16, 2025: Bill introduced and passed first reading.
  • February 2025: The bill underwent multiple readings, amendments, and committee reviews.
  • March 2025: The bill was passed by both the House and Senate, with amendments.
  • May 27, 2025: Signed into law as Act 097.

Conclusion

House Bill 1169 represents a significant update to the mental health commitment process in Arkansas, aiming to provide clearer guidelines for involuntary admissions and ensuring that individuals with medical conditions affecting their mental health are adequately addressed within the healthcare system.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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