An Act reducing emergency department boarding

HD 2148 limits involuntary emergency holds to 72 hours at facilities not authorized by the department to perform psychiatric evaluations, requiring immediate release after that period. For psychiatric holds lasting over 48 hours at such facilities, the bill mandates referral to the Committee for Public Counsel Services to appoint legal counsel. This directly affects patients in emergency departments and the hospitals managing their care, changing how facilities handle extended involuntary holds. The law establishes specific time limits and legal safeguards for patients held in non-authorized facilities.