An act relating to the first certification of an emergency examination

New subsection (b) in 18 V.S.A. 7110 defines 'health care professional' to include master's social workers (26 V.S.A. ch. 61), clinical mental health counselors with a master's degree or greater (26 V.S.A. ch. 65), and marriage and family therapists (26 V.S.A. ch. 76), in addition to the previously listed physicians, APRNs, and physician assistants.

Section 7504(a) now requires the certificate be issued by a 'health care professional as defined in section 7110' rather than just a 'licensed physician,' broadening who can certify for an emergency examination.

The old limited definition of 'health care professional' in section 7504(e) (which covered only physicians, APRNs, and physician assistants) is removed and replaced by the broader definition now located in section 7110(b).

Section 7504(c) language regarding hospital admission oversight is cleaned up, removing redundant phrasing about who may be designated by the head of a hospital.

Official version adds standard legislative header information including sponsor (Rep. Berbeco of Winooski), committee referral, subject line, and statement of purpose.