2017 -- S 0492

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LC001103

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     STATE OF RHODE ISLAND

IN GENERAL ASSEMBLY

JANUARY SESSION, A.D. 2017

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A N   A C T

RELATING TO BEHAVIORAL HEALTHCARE, DEVELOPMENTAL DISABILITIES AND

HOSPITALS – MENTAL HEALTH LAW

     

     Introduced By: Senators DiPalma, Miller, Crowley, and Goldin

     Date Introduced: March 02, 2017

     Referred To: Senate Health & Human Services

     It is enacted by the General Assembly as follows:

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     SECTION 1. Chapter 40.1-5 of the General Laws entitled "Mental Health Law" is hereby

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amended by adding thereto the following section:

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     40.1-5-8.1. Qualification of APRN to attest to patient condition.

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     (a) Where a patient:

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     (1) Is receiving treatment at a licensed community mental health center as established

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pursuant to chapter 8.5 of this title;

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     (2) Is under the care of a licensed advance practice registered nurse (APRN) certified in

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psychiatry/mental health, as defined in §5-34-3; and

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     (3) Meets the criteria for court ordered outpatient treatment as established pursuant to this

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title, the APRN shall be deemed qualified to attest to the patient's condition and need for

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treatment, submit the necessary documents to a court, and testify in court.

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     (b) When the petitioner is an APRN the second physician's certificate must be completed

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by a licensed physician. When a physician is the petitioner, an APRN shall be deemed qualified

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to complete the second physician's certificate.

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     SECTION 2. This act shall take effect upon passage.

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EXPLANATION

BY THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL

OF

A N   A C T

RELATING TO BEHAVIORAL HEALTHCARE, DEVELOPMENTAL DISABILITIES AND

HOSPITALS – MENTAL HEALTH LAW

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     This act would authorize a licensed advance practice registered nurse (APRN) certified

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in psychiatry/mental health to attest to a patient's condition and need for treatment, submit

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documents to court, and testify in court when the patient is receiving treatment at a licensed

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community mental health center.

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     This act would take effect upon passage.

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