Relating to emergency detention by a paramedic of certain persons with mental illness for preliminary examination at a mental health facility.

HB 1656 would allow licensed paramedics to temporarily detain individuals experiencing a mental health crisis for a preliminary evaluation at a mental health facility when there is an immediate risk of serious harm to the person or others. To do this, paramedics must have authorization from their medical director, believe the person has mental illness and faces substantial risk (based on behavior or severe distress), and determine that obtaining a warrant or involving police would take too long. The paramedic must then transport the person to the nearest appropriate mental health facility and immediately explain the detention reason in plain language, with facility staff required to detail the person’s rights within 24 hours. This bill directly affects paramedics and individuals in acute mental health crises who meet these specific criteria.