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Panel reviews bill to let physician assistants certify emergency psychiatric evaluations, adds training requirement
Summary
Committee examined H573, which would expand who may certify an emergency psychiatric exam to include physician assistants (PAs) alongside physicians and APRNs, require DMH training for certifiers, and clarify hospital-designation language; backers said the change reflects current practice and could reduce ED bottlenecks.
Senate Health & Welfare discussed H573, a bill intended to clarify and update the statutory pathway for involuntary emergency psychiatric examinations and initial certifications.
Staff and presenters explained that under current statute a licensed physician must provide the certificate that, together with an application (or a court warrant), authorizes transport of a person for an emergency psychiatric exam. The bill replaces the term "certifying physician" with "health care professional," defined to include physicians, advanced practice registered nurses (APRNs) and physician assistants (PAs). Committee members were told this reflects practice in many hospitals, where PAs often perform the first certification and subsequently await physician or APRN sign‑off.
Proponents said the change is intended to speed access to psychiatric evaluation, reduce emergency‑department bottlenecks and better align statute with hospital staffing realities. The bill also adds a statutory training requirement: a certifying health-care professional must complete Department of Mental Health (DMH) training before issuing the certificate. Committee staff said the measure does not change the 24‑hour timeline for the psychiatrist’s independent emergency exam or the 72‑hour hold rules; it focuses on who may make the initial certification and on mandated training.
Members raised concerns about the availability of psychiatrists for follow‑up exams, safeguards for involuntary processes, who counts as a "designated hospital" for involuntary admissions, and what "head of hospital" authority means for delegations. Committee staff said they would invite DMH, hospital leaders, and the board of medical practice to provide testimony on training, clinical safeguards, and operational impacts.
No final committee vote was taken during this session; the committee asked for additional testimony and operational details before acting.
