Police and health officers would be informed when an individual they submitted for emergency admission at a treatment facility terminates their stay early, under a bill passed 127-0 by the House Monday.
Sponsored by Rep. Nick Zerwas (R-Elk River), HF2803 now goes to the Senate where Sen. Ron Latz (DFL-St. Louis Park) is the sponsor.
The bill would require treatment facilities to report to an agency that submitted an individual for a 72-hour hold whenever the individual is discharged early or leaves without consent of the facility head. A police officer would be required to provide their name, police agency and contact information when submitting an individual for a 72-hour hold.
Holds are typically issued for individuals determined to pose a danger to themselves or others for either mental health or certain chemical dependency issues.
Zerwas said facility operators are concerned current medical confidentiality laws may prevent them from informing police about a patient leaving early in certain circumstances. He said the bill would clarify this is not a violation.