(a) A person admitted to a facility for 72-hour treatment and evaluation under the provisions of this article shall receive an evaluation as soon as possible after the person is admitted and shall receive whatever treatment and care the person’s condition requires for the full period that they are held. The person shall be released before 72 hours have elapsed only if the psychiatrist directly responsible for the person’s treatment believes, as a result of the psychiatrist’s personal observations, that the person no longer requires evaluation or treatment. However, in those situations in which both a psychiatrist and psychologist have personally evaluated or examined a person who is placed under a 72-hour hold and there is a collaborative treatment relationship between the psychiatrist and psychologist, either the psychiatrist or psychologist may authorize the release of the person from the hold, but only after they have consulted with one another. In the event of a clinical or professional disagreement regarding the early release of a person who has been placed under a 72-hour hold, the hold shall be maintained unless the facility’s medical director overrules the decision of the psychiatrist or psychologist opposing the release. Both the psychiatrist and psychologist shall enter their findings, concerns, or objections into the person’s medical record. If any other professional person who is authorized to release the person believes the person should be released before 72 hours have elapsed, and the psychiatrist directly responsible for the person’s treatment objects, the matter shall be referred to the medical director of the facility for the final decision. However, if the medical director is not a psychiatrist, the medical director shall appoint a designee who is a psychiatrist. If the matter is referred, the person shall be released before 72 hours have elapsed only if the psychiatrist making the final decision believes, as a result of the psychiatrist’s personal observations, that the person no longer requires evaluation or treatment.
(b) A person who has been detained for evaluation and treatment shall be released, referred for further care and treatment on a voluntary basis, or certified for intensive treatment, or a conservator or temporary conservator shall be appointed pursuant to this part as required.
(c) (1) A person who has been detained for evaluation and treatment and subsequently released with referral for further care and treatment on a voluntary basis, shall receive, prior to release, a care coordination plan developed by, at a minimum, the individual, the county behavioral health department, the health care payer, if different from the county, and any other individuals designated by the person as appropriate, with input and recommendations from the facility. The care coordination plan shall include a first followup appointment with an appropriate behavioral health professional. The appointment information shall be provided to the person before their release. In no event may the person be detained based on the requirements of this subdivision beyond when they would otherwise qualify for release. All care and treatment after release shall be voluntary.
(2) The requirement to develop a care coordination plan under this subdivision shall take effect immediately, without waiting for the department to create a model care coordination plan, as required pursuant to Section 5402.5.
(d) For purposes of care coordination and to schedule a followup appointment, the health plan, mental health plan, primary care provider, or other appropriate provider to whom the person has been referred pursuant to subdivision (c) shall make a good faith effort to contact the referred individual no fewer than three times, either by email, telephone, mail, or in-person outreach, whichever method or methods is most likely to reach the individual.
(e) A person designated by the mental health facility shall give to any person who has been detained at that facility for evaluation and treatment and who is receiving medication as a result of their mental illness, as soon as possible after detention, written and oral information about the probable effects and possible side effects of the medication. The State Department of Health Care Services shall develop and promulgate written materials on the effects of medications, for use by county mental health programs as disseminated or as modified by the county mental health program, addressing the probable effects and the possible side effects of the medication. The following information shall be given orally to the patient:
(1) The nature of the mental illness, or behavior, that is the reason the medication is being given or recommended.
(2) The likelihood of improving or not improving without the medication.
(3) Reasonable alternative treatments available.
(4) (A) The name and type, frequency, amount, and method of dispensing the medication, and the probable length of time the medication will be taken.
(B) The fact that the information has or has not been given shall be indicated in the patient’s chart. If the information has not been given, the designated person shall document in the patient’s chart the justification for not providing the information. A failure to give information about the probable effects and possible side effects of the medication shall not constitute new grounds for release.
(f) The amendments to this section made by Assembly Bill 348 of the 2003–04 Regular Session shall not be construed to revise or expand the scope of practice of psychologists, as defined in Chapter 6.6 (commencing with Section 2900) of Division 2 of the Business and Professions Code.
(Amended by Stats. 2022, Ch. 867, Sec. 2. (AB 2242) Effective January 1, 2023.)