Lawmakers and Gov. Kathy Hochul have unveiled a new law intended to make it easier for hospitals to involuntarily commit individuals with severe mental illness. This change broadens the criteria for commitment to include the inability or refusal to provide for essential needs, beyond just the risk of harm. The requirement has shifted from needing two physician sign-offs to one physician and a nurse practitioner, aiming to expedite emergency interventions. Coupled with these changes, there's recognition of the need for further mental health support and resources to prevent individuals from falling through gaps in care.
The new legislation expands involuntary commitment criteria, allowing commitments based on an individualâs inability to provide for essential needs due to mental illness.
Commitment now requires only one physician and a nurse practitioner instead of two physicians, aimed at streamlining the emergency response process.
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