An Act reducing emergency department boarding

This bill amends existing mental health laws to protect individuals held in emergency departments who are being restrained while awaiting psychiatric evaluations. It requires facilities not authorized to perform evaluations to inform patients and their guardians about their right to voluntary admission and limits restraint to a maximum of 72 hours. If a person is held longer than 48 hours at such a facility, they must be told they can request a lawyer, and the state will appoint one if needed. The bill also allows individuals to request an emergency court hearing within one business day if they believe the restraint was improper. These changes directly affect patients, their families, and mental health facilities across the state.