H 724 Vermont House · 2025-2026 Regular Session

An act relating to administration of involuntary psychiatric medication in emergency circumstances

This bill allows doctors to administer psychiatric medication without a patient's consent during emergency mental health crises under strict conditions. It requires physicians to inform patients about the medication details, risks, and their right to refuse before administration, and confirms that less restrictive alternatives were considered. The medication can be given for up to 72 hours initially, with court review required within 5 business days if continued treatment is needed, and no more than 10 days without a court order. The bill applies directly to patients in mental health emergencies and the hospitals or facilities treating them, mandating detailed documentation and limiting emergency use to unavoidable situations.
Bill status in committee 1 of 4 stages cleared
Introduction
Jan 2026
Committee Review
Floor Vote
Governor
Introduced Jan 20, 2026 Last action Jan 21, 2026
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Full legislative history

Actions timeline

Total actions
2
Key actions
1
Committee
1
Jan 21, 2026
Lower · Passed
Rep. Wood of Waterbury moved that the Committee on Human Services be relieved of the bill and that the same be committed to the Committee on Health Care, which was agreed to
lower
Jan 20, 2026
Introduced
Read first time and referred to the Committee on Human Services
lower
9 primary · 0 co-sponsors

Sponsors