COMMITMENT PROCEDURE CHANGES & DEFINITIONS

Added new definition for 'aversive stimuli' to clarify that it does not include verbal therapies, physical restrictions to prevent harm, or psychotropic medications used for punishment.

Expanded the definition of 'client' to include anyone receiving mental health or developmental disabilities services, including those placed in facilities by parents, guardians, or court order.

Updated 'consistent with the least drastic means principle' to specify that treatment should not be more harsh than necessary and should involve minimal restrictions on physical movement and residential care.

Added new definition for 'crisis triage center' to describe facilities that provide stabilization for behavioral health crises.

Redefined 'serious harm to others' to include situations where a person has inflicted serious bodily harm or created a substantial risk of such harm, with a likelihood of repetition.

Added new definition for 'serious harm to self' with two criteria: (1) lack of decisional capacity to meet basic needs like food, shelter, or safety that could lead to death or serious injury, and (2) behavior indicating likely serious physical debilitation without treatment.

Added new definition for 'mental disorder' to specify it involves substantial disorders of emotional processes or cognition that impair judgment or reality recognition, but excludes developmental or intellectual disabilities.

Added new definition for 'mental health or developmental or intellectual disabilities professional' to describe qualified physicians or professionals trained to work with persons with mental disorders or disabilities.

Added new definition for 'protected health information' to establish privacy protections for patient data.