Civil commitments & temporary detention orders; def. of mental illness neurocognitive disorders.

Civil commitments and temporary detention orders; definition of mental illness neurocognitive disorders and neurodevelopmental disabilities; Secretary of Health and Human Resources to evaluate placements for certain individuals; workgroup; report. Specifies that for the purpose of civil commitments and temporary detention orders, behaviors and symptoms that manifest from a neurocognitive disorder or neurodevelopmental disability are excluded from the definition of mental illness and are, therefore, not a basis for placing an individual under a temporary detention order or committing an individual involuntarily to an inpatient psychiatric hospital. The bill provides that if a state facility has reason to believe that an individual's behaviors or symptoms are solely a manifestation of a neurocognitive disorder or neurodevelopmental disability, the state facility may require that a licensed psychiatrist or other licensed mental health professional reevaluate the individual's eligibility for a temporary detention order before the individual is admitted. Under the bill, if the licensed psychiatrist or other licensed mental health professional determines the individual's behaviors or symptoms are solely a manifestation of a neurocognitive disorder or neurodevelopmental disorder, the state facility shall promptly authorize the release of the person held under a temporary detention order and the local community services board shall provide a discharge plan. The foregoing provisions of the bill do not become effective unless reenacted by the 2025 Session of the General Assembly. The bill also directs the Secretary of Health and Human Resources to convene a workgroup to evaluate, identify, and develop placements for individuals with neurocognitive disorders and neurodevelopmental disabilities, specify any statutory or funding changes needed to prevent inappropriate placements for such individuals, as well as provide recommendations for training of magistrates and community services boards related to the implementation of the bill, and to report the findings and recommendations by November 1, 2024. As introduced, this bill is a recommendation of the Joint Legislative Audit and Review Commission and the Behavioral Health Commission.