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OREGON STATUTES
Last updated November 2003
Title 35
Chapter 426 – Persons With Mental Illness
(Definitions)
426.005 Definitions for
ORS 426.005 to 426.390.
(1) As used in ORS 426.005
to 426.390, unless the context requires otherwise:
(a)
"Department" means the Department of Human Services.
(b)
"Director of the facility" means a superintendent of a state mental
hospital, the chief of psychiatric services in a community hospital or the
person in charge of treatment and rehabilitation programs at other treatment
facilities.
(c)
"Facility" means a state mental hospital, community hospital, residential
facility, detoxification center, day treatment facility or such other facility
as the department determines suitable, any of which may provide diagnosis and
evaluation, medical care, detoxification, social services or rehabilitation for
committed mentally ill persons.
(d)
"Mentally ill person" means a person who, because of a mental
disorder, is one or more of the following:
(A) Dangerous to self or others.
(B) Unable to provide for basic personal needs and is not
receiving such care as is necessary for health or safety.
(C) A person who:
(i) Is chronically mentally ill, as defined in ORS 426.495;
(ii)
Within the previous three years, has twice been placed in a hospital or
approved inpatient facility by the department under ORS 426.060;
(iii)
Is exhibiting symptoms or behavior substantially similar to those that preceded
and led to one or more of the hospitalizations or inpatient placements referred
to in sub-subparagraph (ii) of this subparagraph; and
(iv)
Unless treated, will continue, to a reasonable medical probability, to
physically or mentally deteriorate so that the person will become a person
described under either or both subparagraph (A) or (B) of this paragraph.
(e)
"Nonhospital facility" means any facility, other than a hospital, that
is approved by the department to provide adequate security, psychiatric,
nursing and other services to persons under ORS 426.232 or 426.233.
(f)
"Prehearing period of detention" means a period of time calculated
from the initiation of custody during which a person may be detained under ORS
426.228, 426.231, 426.232 or 426.233.
(2) Whenever a community
mental health and developmental disabilities program director, director of the
facility, superintendent of a state hospital or administrator of a facility is
referred to, the reference includes any designee such person has designated to
act on the person’s behalf in the exercise of duties.
(Hospitals)
426.010 State hospitals
for mentally ill persons. Except as otherwise ordered by the Department of Human Services
pursuant to ORS 179.325, the Oregon State Hospital in Salem, Marion County, and
the Eastern Oregon Psychiatric Center in Pendleton, Umatilla County, shall be
used as state hospitals for the care and treatment of mentally ill persons who
are assigned to the care of such institutions by the department or who have
previously been committed to such institutions.
426.020 Superintendents;
chief medical officer. The superintendents of the hospitals mentioned in ORS 426.010 shall be
persons the Department of Human Services considers qualified to administer the
hospital. If the superintendent of any hospital is a physician licensed by the
Board of Medical Examiners for the State of
426.030 [Amended by 1955 c.651 §5; 1957
c.43 §1; repealed by 1999 c.983 §7]
426.060 Commitment to
Department of Human Services; authority of department to direct placement;
transfer authority; delegation. (1) Commitments to the Department of Human Services shall
be made only by the judge of a circuit court in a county of this state.
(2) The following is a
nonexclusive list of powers the department may exercise concerning the
placement of persons committed or persons receiving emergency care and
treatment under ORS 426.070, 426.228 to 426.235 or 426.237:
(a)
In its discretion and for reasons which are satisfactory to the department, the
department may direct any court committed person to the facility best able to
treat the person. The authority of the department on such matters shall be
final.
(b)
At any time, for good cause and in the best interest of the mentally ill
person, the department may transfer a committed person from one facility to
another. When transferring a person under this paragraph, the department shall
make the transfer:
(A) If the transfer is from a facility in one class to a
facility of the same class, as provided by rule of the department;
(B)
If the transfer is from a facility in one class to a facility in a less
restrictive class, by following the procedures for trial visits under ORS
426.273; and
(C)
If the transfer is from a facility in one class to a facility in a more
restrictive class, by following the procedures under ORS 426.275.
(c)
At any time, for good cause and in the best interest of the mentally ill
person, the department may transfer a person receiving emergency care and
treatment under ORS 426.070 or 426.228 to 426.235, or intensive treatment under
ORS 426.237, between hospitals and nonhospital facilities approved by the department
to provide emergency care or treatment as defined by rule of the department.
(d)
Pursuant to its rules, the department may delegate to a community mental health
and developmental disabilities program director the responsibility for
assignment of mentally ill persons to suitable facilities or transfer between
such facilities under conditions which the department may define.
(Commitment Procedure)
426.070 Initiation;
notification required; recommendation to court; citation. (1) Any of the following may
initiate commitment procedures under this section by giving the notice
described under subsection (2) of this section:
(a)
Two persons;
(b)
The county health officer; or
(c)
Any magistrate.
(2) For purposes of
subsection (1) of this section, the notice must comply with the following:
(a)
It must be in writing under oath;
(b)
It must be given to the community mental health and developmental disabilities
program director or a designee of the director in the county where the allegedly
mentally ill person resides;
(c)
It must state that a person within the county other than the person giving the
notice is a mentally ill person and is in need of treatment, care or custody;
(d)
If the commitment proceeding is initiated by two persons under subsection
(1)(a) of this section, it may include a request that the court notify the two
persons:
(A) Of the issuance or nonissuance of a warrant under this
section; or
(B) Of the court’s determination under ORS 426.130 (1); and
(e)
If the notice contains a request under paragraph (d) of this subsection, it
must also include the addresses of the two persons making the request.
(3) Upon receipt of a
notice under subsections (1) and (2) of this section or when notified by a
circuit court that the court received notice under ORS 426.234, the community
mental health and developmental disabilities program director, or designee of
the director, shall:
(a)
Immediately notify the judge of the court having jurisdiction for that county
under ORS 426.060 of the notification described in subsections (1) and (2) of
this section.
(b)
Immediately notify the Department of Human Services if commitment is proposed
because the person appears to be a mentally ill person, as defined in ORS
426.005 (1)(d)(C). When such notice is received, the department may verify, to
the extent known by the department, whether or not the person meets the
criteria described in ORS 426.005 (1)(d)(C)(i) and (ii) and so inform the
director or designee of the director.
(c)
Initiate an investigation under ORS 426.074 to determine whether there is
probable cause to believe that the person is in fact a mentally ill person.
(4) Upon completion, a
recommendation based upon the investigation report under ORS 426.074 shall be
promptly submitted to the court. If the community mental health and
developmental disabilities program director determines that probable cause does
not exist to believe that a person released from detention under ORS 426.234
(2)(c) or (3)(b) is a mentally ill person, the community mental health and
developmental disabilities program director shall not submit a recommendation
to the court.
(5) When the court receives
notice under subsection (3) of this section:
(a)
If the court, following the investigation, concludes that there is probable
cause to believe that the person investigated is a mentally ill person, it
shall, through the issuance of a citation as provided in ORS 426.090, cause the
person to be brought before it at a time and place as it may direct, for a
hearing under ORS 426.095 to determine whether the person is mentally ill. The
person shall be given the opportunity to appear voluntarily at the hearing
unless the person fails to appear or unless the person is detained pursuant to
paragraph (b) of this subsection.
(b)(A)
The judge may cause the allegedly mentally ill person to be taken into custody
pending the investigation or hearing by issuing a warrant of detention under
this subsection. A judge may only issue a warrant under this subsection if the
court finds that there is probable cause to believe that failure to take the
person into custody would pose serious harm or danger to the person or to
others.
(B)
To cause the custody of a person under this paragraph, the judge must issue a
warrant of detention to the community mental health and developmental
disabilities program director or designee, the sheriff of the county or
designee, directing that person to take the allegedly mentally ill person into
custody and produce the person at the time and place stated in the warrant.
(C)
At the time the person is taken into custody, the person shall be informed by
the community mental health and developmental disabilities program director,
the sheriff or a designee of the following:
(i)
The person’s rights with regard to representation
by or appointment of counsel as described in ORS 426.100; and
(ii) The warning under ORS 426.123.
(D)
The court may make any orders for the care and custody of the person prior to
the hearing as it considers necessary.
(c)
If the notice includes a request under subsection (2)(d)(A) of this section,
the court shall notify the two persons of the issuance or nonissuance of a
warrant under this subsection.
426.072 Custody; care;
responsibilities of treating physician; rules. (1) A hospital or nonhospital
facility and a treating physician must comply with the following when an
allegedly mentally ill person is placed in custody at the hospital or
nonhospital facility:
(a)
By a warrant of detention under ORS 426.070;
(b)
By a peace officer under ORS 426.228 or other person authorized under ORS
426.233; or
(c)
By a physician under ORS 426.232.
(2) In circumstances
described under subsection (1) of this section, the hospital or nonhospital
facility and treating physician must comply with the following:
(a)
The person shall receive the care, custody and treatment required for mental
and physical health and safety;
(b)
The treating physician shall report any care, custody and treatment to the
court as required in ORS 426.075;
(c)
All methods of treatment, including the prescription and administration of
drugs, shall be the sole responsibility of the treating physician. However, the
person shall not be subject to electro-shock therapy or unduly hazardous
treatment and shall receive usual and customary treatment in accordance with
medical standards in the community;
(d)
The treating physician shall be notified immediately of any use of mechanical
restraints on the person. Every use of a mechanical restraint and the reasons
therefor shall be made a part of the clinical record of the person over the
signature of the treating physician; and
(e)
The treating physician shall give the person the warning under ORS 426.123 at
times the treating physician determines the person will reasonably understand
the notice. This paragraph only requires the notice to be given as often as the
physician determines is necessary to assure that the person is given an
opportunity to be aware of the notice.
(3) The Department of Human
Services shall adopt rules necessary to carry out this section, including rules
regarding the content of the medical record compiled during the current period
of custody.
426.074 Investigation;
procedure; content; report. The following is applicable to an investigation initiated by a
community mental health and developmental disabilities program director, or a
designee of the director, as part of commitment procedures under ORS 426.070
and 426.228 to 426.235:
(1) If the allegedly
mentally ill person is held in custody before the hearing the investigation
shall be completed at least 24 hours before the hearing under ORS 426.095,
otherwise the investigation shall comply with the following time schedule:
(a)
If the allegedly mentally ill person can be located, the investigator shall
contact the person within three judicial days from the date the community
mental health and developmental disabilities program director or a designee
receives a notice under ORS 426.070 alleging that the person is mentally ill.
(b)
Within 15 days from the date the community mental health and developmental
disabilities program director or a designee receives a notice under ORS 426.070
alleging that a person is mentally ill, one of the following shall occur:
(A) The investigation shall be completed and submitted to
the court.
(B) An application for extension shall be made to the court
under paragraph (c) of this subsection.
(c)
The community mental health and developmental disabilities program director, a
designee or the investigator may file for an extension of the time under
paragraph (b) of this subsection only if one of the following occurs:
(A) A treatment option less restrictive than involuntary
in-patient commitment is actively being pursued.
(B) The allegedly mentally ill person cannot be located.
(d)
A court may grant an extension under paragraph (c) of this subsection for a
time and upon the terms and conditions the court considers appropriate.
(2) This subsection
establishes a nonexclusive list of provisions applicable to the content of the
investigation, as follows:
(a)
The investigation conducted should, where appropriate, include an interview or
examination of the allegedly mentally ill person in the home of the person or
other place familiar to the person.
(b)
Whether or not the allegedly mentally ill person consents, the investigation
should include interviews with any persons that the investigator has probable
cause to believe have pertinent information regarding the investigation. If the
allegedly mentally ill person objects to the contact with any person, the
objection shall be noted in the investigator’s report.
(c)
The investigator shall be allowed access to physicians, nurses or social
workers and to medical records compiled during the current involuntary
prehearing period of detention to determine probable cause and to develop
alternatives to commitment. If commitment is proposed because the person
appears to be a mentally ill person as defined in ORS 426.005 (1)(d)(C), the
investigator shall be allowed access to medical records necessary to verify the
existence of criteria described in ORS 426.005 (1)(d)(C). The investigator
shall include pertinent parts of the medical record in the investigation
report. Records and communications described in this paragraph and
communications related thereto are not privileged under ORS 40.230, 40.235,
40.240 or 40.250.
(3) A copy of the
investigation report shall be provided as soon as possible, but in no event
later than 24 hours prior to the hearing, to the allegedly mentally ill person
and to that person’s
counsel. Copies shall likewise be provided to counsel assisting the court, to
the examiners and to the court for use in questioning witnesses.
426.075 Notice and
records of treatment prior to hearing; procedures. This section establishes procedures
that are required to be followed before the hearing if a court, under ORS
426.070, orders a hearing under ORS 426.095. The following apply as described:
(1) The court shall be
fully advised of all drugs and other treatment known to have been administered
to the allegedly mentally ill person that may substantially affect the ability
of the person to prepare for or function effectively at the hearing. The
following shall advise the court as required by this subsection:
(a)
When not otherwise provided by paragraph (b) of this subsection, the community
mental health and developmental disabilities program director or designee.
(b)
When the person has been detained by a warrant of detention under ORS 426.070,
426.180, 426.228, 426.232 or 426.233, the treating physician.
(2) The court shall appoint
examiners under ORS 426.110 sufficiently long before the hearing so that they
may begin their preparation for the hearing. The records established by the
Department of Human Services by rule and the investigation report shall be made
available to the examiners at least 24 hours before the hearing in order that
the examiners may review the medical record and have an opportunity to inquire
of the medical personnel concerning the treatment of the allegedly mentally ill
person relating to the detention period prior to the hearing.
(3) The medical record
described in subsection (2) of this section shall be made available to counsel
for the allegedly mentally ill person at least 24 hours prior to the hearing.
(4) When requested by a
party to the action, the party’s
attorney shall subpoena physicians who are or have been treating the allegedly
mentally ill person. Any treating physician subpoenaed under this subsection
shall be subpoenaed as an expert witness.
426.080 Execution and
return of citation or warrant of detention. The person serving a warrant of detention or the
citation provided for by ORS 426.090 shall, immediately after service thereof,
make a return upon the original warrant or citation showing the time, place and
manner of such service and file it with the clerk of the court. In executing
the warrant of detention or citation, the person has all the powers provided by
ORS 133.235 and 161.235 to 161.245 and may require the assistance of any peace
officer or other person.
426.090 Citation;
service. The judge
shall cause a citation to issue to the allegedly mentally ill person stating
the nature of the information filed concerning the person and the specific
reasons the person is believed to be mentally ill. The citation shall further
contain a notice of the time and place of the commitment hearing, the right to
legal counsel, the right to have legal counsel appointed if the person is
unable to afford legal counsel, and, if requested, to have legal counsel
immediately appointed, the right to subpoena witnesses in behalf of the person
to the hearing and other information as the court may direct. The citation
shall be served upon the person by delivering a duly certified copy of the
original thereof to the person in person prior to the hearing. The person shall
have an opportunity to consult with legal counsel prior to being brought before
the court.
426.095 Commitment
hearing; postponement; right to cross-examine; admissibility of investigation
report. The
following is applicable to a commitment hearing held by a court under ORS
426.070:
(1) The hearing may be held
in a hospital, the person’s home or
in some other place convenient to the court and the allegedly mentally ill
person.
(2) The court shall hold
the hearing at the time established according to the following:
(a)
Except as provided by paragraph (b) or (c) of this subsection, a hearing shall
be held five judicial days from the day a court under ORS 426.070 issues a
citation provided under ORS 426.090.
(b)
Except as provided by paragraph (c) of this subsection, if a person is detained
by a warrant of detention under ORS 426.070, a hearing shall be held within
five judicial days of the commencement of detention.
(c)
If requested under this paragraph, the court, for good cause, may postpone the
hearing for not more than five judicial days in order to allow preparation for
the hearing. The court may make orders for the care and custody of the person
during a postponement as it deems necessary. If a person is detained before a
hearing under ORS 426.070, 426.180, 426.228, 426.232 or 426.233 and the hearing
is postponed under this paragraph, the court, for good cause, may allow the
person to be detained during the postponement if the postponement is requested
by the person or the legal counsel of the person. Any of the following may
request a postponement under this paragraph:
(A) The allegedly mentally ill person.
(B) The legal counsel or guardian of the allegedly mentally
ill person.
(C) The person representing the state’s interest.
(3) The allegedly mentally ill
person and the person representing the state’s interest shall have the right to cross-examine all the
following:
(a)
Witnesses.
(b)
The person conducting the investigation.
(c)
The examining physicians or other qualified persons recommended by the Department
of Human Services who have examined the person.
(4) The provisions of ORS
40.230, 40.235, 40.240 and 40.250 shall not apply to and the court may consider
as evidence any of the following:
(a)
Medical records for the current involuntary prehearing period of detention.
(b)
Statements attributed by the maker of the medical records or the investigation
report to witnesses concerning their own observations in the absence of
objection or if such persons are produced as witnesses at the hearing available
for cross-examination.
(c)
The testimony of any treating physicians, nurses or social workers for the
prehearing period of detention. Any treating physician, nurse or social worker
who is subpoenaed as a witness for the proceeding shall testify as an expert witness
under the provisions of ORS 40.410, 40.415, 40.420 and 40.425 and is subject to
treatment as an expert witness in the payment of witness fees and costs.
(d)
The investigation report prepared under ORS 426.074. Subject to the following,
the investigation report shall be introduced in evidence:
(A) Introduction of the report under this paragraph does not
require the consent of the allegedly mentally ill person.
(B)
Upon objection by any party to the action, the court shall exclude any part of
the investigation report that may be excluded under the Oregon Evidence Code on
grounds other than those set forth in ORS 40.230, 40.235, 40.240 or 40.250.
(C)
Neither the investigation report nor any part thereof shall be introduced into
evidence under this paragraph unless the investigator is present during the
proceeding to be cross-examined or unless the presence of the investigator is
waived by the allegedly mentally ill person or counsel for the allegedly
mentally ill person.
426.100 Advice of court;
appointment of legal counsel; fee; representation of state's interest. (1) At the time the allegedly
mentally ill person is brought before the court, the court shall advise the
person of the following:
(a)
The reason for being brought before the court;
(b)
The nature of the proceedings;
(c)
The possible results of the proceedings;
(d)
The right to subpoena witnesses; and
(e)
The person’s rights regarding representation by or appointment of
counsel.
(2) Subsection (3) of this
section establishes the rights of allegedly mentally ill persons in each of the
following circumstances:
(a)
When the person is held by warrant of detention issued under ORS 426.070.
(b)
In commitment hearings under ORS 426.095.
(c)
When the person is detained as provided under ORS 426.228, 426.232 or 426.233.
(d)
In recommitment hearings under ORS 426.307.
(3) When provided under
subsection (2) of this section, an allegedly mentally ill person has the
following rights relating to representation by or appointment of counsel:
(a)
The right to obtain suitable legal counsel possessing skills and experience
commensurate with the nature of the allegations and complexity of the case
during the proceedings.
(b)
If the person does not have funds with which to retain legal counsel, the court
will appoint legal counsel to represent the person without cost. If a person is
unable to afford legal counsel, payment of expenses and compensation relating
to legal counsel shall be made as provided under ORS 426.250.
(c)
If the allegedly mentally ill person does not request legal counsel, the legal
guardian, relative or friend may request the assistance of suitable legal
counsel on behalf of the person.
(d)
If no request for legal counsel is made, the court shall appoint suitable legal
counsel unless counsel is expressly, knowingly and intelligently refused by the
person.
(e)
If the person is being involuntarily detained before a hearing on the issue of
commitment, the right under paragraph (a) of this subsection to contact an
attorney or under paragraph (b) of this subsection to have an attorney
appointed may be exercised as soon as reasonably possible.
(f)
In all cases suitable legal counsel shall be present at the hearing and may be
present at examination and may examine all witnesses offering testimony, and otherwise
represent the person.
(4) The responsibility for
representing the state’s interest in commitment proceedings, including,
but not limited to, preparation of the state’s case and appearances at
commitment hearings is as follows:
(a)
The Attorney General’s office shall have the responsibility relating to
proceedings initiated by state hospital staff that are any of the following:
(A) Recommitment proceedings under ORS 426.307; or
(B) Proceedings under ORS 426.228, 426.232 or 426.233.
(b)
The district attorney if requested to do so by the governing body of the
county.
(c)
In lieu of the district attorney under paragraph (b) of this subsection, a
counsel designated by the governing body of a county shall take the
responsibility. A county governing body may designate counsel to take
responsibility under this paragraph either for single proceedings or for all
such proceedings the county will be obligated to pay for under ORS 426.250. If
a county governing body elects to proceed under this paragraph, the county
governing body shall so notify the district attorney. The expenses of an
attorney appointed under this paragraph shall be paid as provided under ORS
426.250.
Note: The amendments to 426.100 by
section 57, chapter 962, Oregon Laws 2001, become operative
426.100. (1) At the time the allegedly
mentally ill person is brought before the court, the court shall advise the
person of the following:
(a)
The reason for being brought before the court;
(b)
The nature of the proceedings;
(c)
The possible results of the proceedings;
(d)
The right to subpoena witnesses; and
(e)
The person’s rights regarding representation by or appointment of
counsel.
(2) Subsection (3) of this
section establishes the rights of allegedly mentally ill persons in each of the
following circumstances:
(a)
When the person is held by warrant of detention issued under ORS 426.070.
(b)
In commitment hearings under ORS 426.095.
(c)
When the person is detained as provided under ORS 426.228, 426.232 or 426.233.
(d)
In recommitment hearings under ORS 426.307.
(3) When provided under
subsection (2) of this section, an allegedly mentally ill person has the
following rights relating to representation by or appointment of counsel:
(a)
The right to obtain suitable legal counsel possessing skills and experience
commensurate with the nature of the allegations and complexity of the case
during the proceedings.
(b)
If the person is determined to be financially eligible for appointed counsel at
state expense, the court will appoint legal counsel to represent the person. If
a person is appointed counsel at state expense, payment of expenses and
compensation relating to legal counsel shall be made as provided under ORS
426.250.
(c)
If the allegedly mentally ill person does not request legal counsel, the legal
guardian, relative or friend may request the assistance of suitable legal counsel
on behalf of the person.
(d)
If no request for legal counsel is made, the court shall appoint suitable legal
counsel unless counsel is expressly, knowingly and intelligently refused by the
person.
(e)
If the person is being involuntarily detained before a hearing on the issue of
commitment, the right under paragraph (a) of this subsection to contact an
attorney or under paragraph (b) of this subsection to have an attorney
appointed may be exercised as soon as reasonably possible.
(f)
In all cases suitable legal counsel shall be present at the hearing and may be
present at examination and may examine all witnesses offering testimony, and
otherwise represent the person.
(4) The responsibility for
representing the state’s interest in commitment proceedings, including,
but not limited to, preparation of the state’s case and appearances at
commitment hearings is as follows:
(a)
The Attorney General’s office shall have the responsibility relating to
proceedings initiated by state hospital staff that are any of the following:
(A) Recommitment proceedings under ORS 426.307; or
(B) Proceedings under ORS 426.228, 426.232 or 426.233.
(b)
The district attorney if requested to do so by the governing body of the
county.
(c)
In lieu of the district attorney under paragraph (b) of this subsection, a
counsel designated by the governing body of a county shall take the
responsibility. A county governing body may designate counsel to take
responsibility under this paragraph either for single proceedings or for all
such proceedings the county will be obligated to pay for under ORS 426.250. If
a county governing body elects to proceed under this paragraph, the county
governing body shall so notify the district attorney. The expenses of an
attorney appointed under this paragraph shall be paid as provided under ORS
426.250.
426.110 Appointment of
examiners; qualifications; fees. The following requirements relating to the appointment of
examiners for purposes of a hearing under ORS 426.095 apply as described:
(1) The judge shall appoint
one qualified examiner. If requested, the judge shall appoint one additional
qualified examiner. A request for an additional examiner under this subsection
must be made in writing and must be made by the allegedly mentally ill person
or the attorney for the allegedly mentally ill person.
(2) To be qualified for
purposes of this section, an examiner must meet all of the following
qualifications:
(a)
The person must agree to be an examiner.
(b)
The person must be one of the following:
(A)
A physician licensed by the Board of Medical Examiners for the State of Oregon
who is competent to practice psychiatry as provided by the Department of Human
Services by rule.
(B)
Certified as a mental health examiner qualified to make examinations for involuntary
commitment proceedings by the department. The department has authority to
establish, by rule, requirements for certification as a mental health examiner
for purposes of this subparagraph.
(3) The cost of examiners
under this section shall be paid as provided under ORS 426.250.
426.120 Examination
report; rules.
(1) Persons appointed under
ORS 426.110 to conduct the examination shall do the following:
(a)
Examine the person as to mental condition;
(b)
Initiate the examination process prior to the hearing. Any failure to comply
with this paragraph shall not, in itself, constitute sufficient grounds to
challenge the examination conducted by an examiner;
(c)
Make their separate reports in writing, under oath, to the court; and
(d)
Upon completion of the hearing, file the reports with the clerk of the court.
(2) The following is a
nonexclusive list of requirements relating to the content of examination
reports prepared under subsection (1) of this section:
(a)
If the examining persons find, and show by their reports, that the person
examined is a mentally ill person, the reports shall include a recommendation
as to the type of treatment facility best calculated to help the person recover
from mental illness.
(b)
Each report shall also advise the court whether in the opinion of the examiner
the mentally ill person would cooperate with and benefit from a program of
voluntary treatment.
(c)
Reports shall contain the information required by the Department of Human
Services by rule. The department shall adopt rules necessary to carry out this
paragraph.
(3) The examiner shall be
allowed access to physicians, nurses or social workers and to medical records
compiled during the current involuntary prehearing period of detention and the
investigation report. Records and communications described in this subsection
and communications related thereto are not privileged under ORS 40.230, 40.235,
40.240 or 40.250.
426.123 Observation of
person in custody; warning; evidence. (1) Whenever specifically required under ORS 426.070,
426.072, 426.180 or 426.234, a person shall be given a warning that
observations of the person by the staff of the facility where the person is in
custody may be used as evidence in subsequent court proceedings to determine
whether the person should be or should continue to be committed as a mentally
ill person.
(2) The warning described
under subsection (1) of this section shall be given both orally and in writing.
(3) Failure to give a
warning under this section does not in itself constitute grounds for the
exclusion of evidence that would otherwise be admissible in a proceeding.
426.125 Qualifications
and requirements for conditional release. The following qualifications, requirements and other
provisions relating to a conditional release under ORS 426.130 apply as
described:
(1) A court may only order
conditional release if all of the following occur:
(a)
The conditional release is requested by the legal guardian, relative or friend
of the mentally ill person.
(b)
The person requesting the conditional release requests to be allowed to care
for the mentally ill person during the period of commitment in a place
satisfactory to the judge.
(c)
The person requesting the release establishes all of the following to the
satisfaction of the court:
(A) Ability to care for the mentally ill person.
(B) That there are adequate financial resources available
for the care of the mentally ill person.
(2) If the court determines
to allow conditional release, the court shall order that the mentally ill person
be conditionally released and placed in the care of the requester. The court
shall establish any terms and conditions on the conditional release that the
court determines appropriate.
(3) Any conditional release
ordered under this section is subject to the provisions under ORS 426.275.
426.127 Outpatient
commitment. The
following provisions are applicable to outpatient commitment under ORS 426.130
as described:
(1) The Department of Human
Services may only place a person in an outpatient commitment if an adequate
treatment facility is available.
(2) Conditions for the
outpatient commitment shall be set at the time of the hearing under ORS 426.095
by the community mental health and developmental disabilities program director,
or a designee for the director, for the county in which the hearing takes
place. The conditions shall include, but not be limited to, the following:
(a)
Provision for outpatient care.
(b)
A designation of a facility, service or other provider to provide care or
treatment.
(3) A copy of the
conditions shall be given to all of the persons described in ORS 426.278.
(4) Any outpatient
commitment ordered under this section is subject to the provisions under ORS
426.275.
(5) The community mental
health and developmental disabilities program director or designee, for the
county where a person is on outpatient commitment, may modify the conditions
for outpatient commitment when a modification is in the best interest of the
person. The director or designee shall send notification of such changes and
the reasons for the changes to all those who received a copy of the original
conditions under ORS 426.278.
426.130 Court
determination of mental illness; discharge; release for voluntary treatment;
conditional release; commitment; prohibition relating to firearms; period of
commitment.
(1) After hearing all of
the evidence, and reviewing the findings of the examining persons, the court
shall determine whether the person is mentally ill. If, in the opinion of the
court, the person is:
(a)
Not mentally ill, the person shall be discharged forthwith.
(b)
Mentally ill based upon clear and convincing evidence, the court:
(A) Shall order the release of the individual and dismiss
the case if:
(i) The mentally ill person is willing and able to
participate in treatment on a voluntary basis; and
(ii) The court finds that the person will probably do so.
(B)
May order conditional release under this subparagraph subject to the
qualifications and requirements under ORS 426.125. If the court orders
conditional release under this subparagraph, the court shall establish a period
of commitment for the conditional release.
(C)
May order commitment of the individual to the Department of Human Services for
treatment if, in the opinion of the court, subparagraph (A) or (B) of this
paragraph is not in the best interest of the mentally ill person. If the court
orders commitment under this subparagraph:
(i) The court shall establish a period of commitment.
(ii) The department may place the committed person in
outpatient commitment under ORS 426.127.
(D)
Shall order that the person be prohibited from purchasing or possessing a
firearm if, in the opinion of the court, there is a reasonable likelihood the
person would constitute a danger to self or others or to the community at large
as a result of the person’s mental
or psychological state as demonstrated by past behavior or participation in
incidents involving unlawful violence or threats of unlawful violence, or by
reason of a single incident of extreme, violent, unlawful conduct. When a court
makes an order under this subparagraph, the court shall cause a copy of the
order to be delivered to the sheriff of the county who will enter the
information into the Law Enforcement Data System.
(2) A court that orders a
conditional release or a commitment under this section shall establish a period
of commitment for the person subject to the order. Any period of commitment
ordered for commitment or conditional release under this section shall be for a
period of time not to exceed 180 days.
(3) If the commitment
proceeding was initiated under ORS 426.070 (1)(a) and if the notice included a
request under ORS 426.070 (2)(d)(B), the court shall notify the two persons of
the court’s determination under subsection (1) of this section.
426.135 Counsel on
appeal; costs of appeal. If a person determined to be mentally ill as provided in ORS 426.130
appeals the determination or disposition based thereon, and is unable to afford
suitable legal counsel possessing skills and experience commensurate with the
nature and complexity of the case to represent the person on appeal, the court,
upon request of the person or upon its own motion, shall appoint suitable legal
counsel to represent the person. The compensation for legal counsel and costs
and expenses necessary to the appeal shall be determined and allowed by the
appellate court as provided in ORS 135.055 if the circuit court is the
appellate court or as provided in ORS 138.500 if the Court of Appeals or
Supreme Court is the appellate court. The compensation, costs and expenses so
allowed shall be paid as provided in ORS 138.500.
Note: The amendments to 426.135 by
section 58, chapter 962, Oregon Laws 2001, become operative
426.135. If a person determined to be
mentally ill as provided in ORS 426.130 appeals the determination or disposition
based thereon, and is determined to be financially eligible for appointed
counsel at state expense, upon request of the person or upon its own motion,
the court shall appoint suitable legal counsel to represent the person. The
compensation for legal counsel and costs and expenses necessary to the appeal
shall be determined and paid by the public defense services executive director
as provided in ORS 135.055 if the circuit court is the appellate court or as
provided in ORS 138.500 if the Court of Appeals or Supreme Court is the
appellate court. The compensation, costs and expenses shall be paid as provided
in ORS 138.500.
426.140 Place of
confinement; attendant. (1) No person, not incarcerated upon a criminal charge, who has been
adjudged a mentally ill person or one against whom commitment proceedings have
been instituted shall be confined in any prison, jail or other enclosure where
those charged with a crime or a violation of a municipal ordinance are
incarcerated, unless the person represents an immediate and serious danger to
staff or physical facilities of a hospital or other facility approved by the
Department of Human Services for the care, custody and treatment of the person.
(2) No allegedly mentally
ill person who has been taken into custody shall be confined, either before or
after the commitment hearing, without an attendant in direct charge of the
person; and, if not confined in a community hospital, the sheriff or community
mental health and developmental disabilities program director having the person
in custody shall select some suitable person to act as attendant in quarters
suitable for the comfortable, safe and humane confinement of the person and
approved by the department.
426.150 Transportation
to treatment facility. (1) Upon receipt of the order of commitment, the Department of Human
Services or its designee shall take the mentally ill person into its custody,
and insure the safekeeping and proper care of the person until delivery is made
to an assigned treatment facility or its representative. The representative of
the treating facility to which the person has been assigned, accompanied by any
assistants the department or its designee may deem necessary, shall proceed to
the place where the person is to be delivered into custody, and upon demand
shall be given custody of the mentally ill person, together with the certified
record required by ORS 426.170. The representative shall issue appropriate
receipts therefor and immediately proceed to transport the committed mentally
ill person safely to the facility to which the person has been assigned by the
department and there make delivery of the person and the record to the director
or a designated employee of the facility. In taking custody of the person, the
department, its designee, or the representative of the facility has all the
powers provided by ORS 133.225 and 161.255 and may require the assistance of
any peace officer or other person.
(2) The committing judge,
upon approval of the examining physicians or other qualified persons as
recommended by the department and upon request of a guardian, friend or
relative of the mentally ill person, may authorize the guardian, friend or
relative to transport the person to the designated facility when the committing
judge determines that means of transportation would not be detrimental to the
welfare of the mentally ill person or to the public.
426.155 Release of
information about person held in custody pending commitment proceeding or while
committed or recommitted. (1) The provisions of this section apply to the release of information
about a person who is held in custody either pending a commitment proceeding
under ORS 426.070, 426.140, 426.228, 426.232, 426.233 or 426.237 (1)(b) or
while committed or recommitted under ORS 426.005 to 426.390.
(2) Notwithstanding the
provisions of ORS 179.495, 179.505 or 192.502 (2) and notwithstanding any other
provision of ORS 426.005 to 426.390, a facility or nonhospital facility where a
person is held shall establish procedures for releasing information as required
under subsections (3) and (4) of this section.
(3)(a) If a person
described in subsection (1) of this section authorizes disclosure as provided
in subsection (5) of this section, upon request of a member of the family of
the person, or any other person designated by the person, a facility or
nonhospital facility where the person is held shall provide the family member
or the designee with the following information:
(A)
The person’s diagnosis;
(B)
The person’s prognosis;
(C)
The medications prescribed for the person and the side effects of medications
prescribed, if any;
(D)
The person’s progress;
(E)
Information about any civil commitment process, including the date, time and
location of the person’s
commitment hearing; and
(F)
Where and when the person may be visited.
(b) If a request for
information is made under this subsection and the person described in
subsection (1) of this section is unable to authorize disclosure as provided in
subsection (5) of this section, the person requesting information shall be
provided notice of the presence of the person described in subsection (1) of
this section in any facility or nonhospital facility. Information shall not be
provided under this paragraph if the physician of the person described in
subsection (1) of this section determines that it would not be in the person’s best interest to provide the
information or if providing the information is prohibited by federal law.
(4) Upon the admission of
any person to a facility or nonhospital facility under ORS 426.005 to 426.390,
the facility or nonhospital facility shall make reasonable attempts to notify
the person’s next of kin, or any other person designated by the person,
of the person’s admission, unless the person
requests that this information not be provided. The facility or nonhospital
facility shall make reasonable attempts to notify the person’s next of
kin, or any other person designated by the person, of the person’s
release, transfer, serious illness, injury or death upon request of the family
member or designee, unless the person requests that this information not be
provided. The person shall be advised by the facility or nonhospital facility
that the person has the right to request that this information not be provided.
(5) The person who is held
in custody shall be notified by the facility or nonhospital facility that
information about the person has been requested. Except as provided in
subsection (3) of this section, the consent of the person who is held is
required for release of information under subsections (3) and (4) of this
section. If, when initially informed of the request for information, the person
is unable to give voluntary and informed consent to authorize the release of
information, notation of the attempt shall be made in the person’s treatment record and daily efforts
shall be made to secure the person’s consent or refusal of authorization.
(6) Notwithstanding any
other provision of this section, an individual eligible to receive information
under subsection (3) of this section may not receive information unless the
individual first agrees to make no further disclosure of the information. The
agreement may be made orally.
(7) A facility or
nonhospital facility that releases information under subsection (3) or (4) of
this section shall:
(a)
Notify the person who is held to whom, when and what information was released;
and
(b)
Note in the medical record of the person who is held:
(A) The basis for finding that the person gave voluntary and
informed consent;
(B) The oral or written consent of the person who is held;
(C) To whom, when and what information was released;
(D)
The agreement to the requirements of subsection (6) of this section by the
person who requested information; and
(E)
Any determination made by the person’s physician under subsection (3)(b)
of this section regarding the provision of notice of the presence of the person
in any facility or nonhospital facility.
(8) A facility or
nonhospital facility, including the staff of such facilities and nonhospital
facilities, that releases information under this section or rules adopted under
ORS 426.236 may not be held civilly or criminally liable for damages caused or
alleged to be caused by the release of information or the failure to release
information as long as the release was done in good faith and in compliance
with subsections (3) and (4) of this section or rules adopted under ORS
426.236.
(9) The provisions of
subsections (3) and (4) of this section do not limit the ability or obligation
of facilities, nonhospital facilities, physicians, mental health care providers
or licensed mental health professionals to provide information as otherwise
allowed or required by law.
426.160 Record of
proceedings. The
judge shall cause to be recorded in the court records a full account of
proceedings had at all hearings and examinations conducted pursuant to ORS
426.005, 426.060 to 426.170, 426.217, 426.228, 426.255 to 426.292, 426.300 to
426.309, 426.385 and 426.395, together with the judgments and orders of the
court and a copy of the orders issued. The account of the proceedings and
transcripts of testimony if taken there at shall be delivered to the court
clerk or court administrator who shall cause it to be sealed and neither the
account of the proceedings nor the transcript of testimony if taken shall be
disclosed to any person except:
(1) As provided in ORS
426.070 (5)(c), 426.130 (3) or 426.170;
(2) Upon request of the
person subject to the proceedings, the legal representatives, or the attorney
of the person; or
(3) Pursuant to court
order.
426.170 Delivery of
certified copy of record. If any person is adjudged mentally ill and ordered committed to the
Department of Human Services, a copy of the complete record in the case,
certified to by the court clerk or court administrator, shall be given to the
health officer of the county, or to the sheriff, for delivery to the director
of the facility to which such mentally ill person is assigned. The record shall
include the name, residence, nativity, sex and age of such mentally ill person
and all other information that may be required by the rules and regulations
promulgated by the department.
426.175 [1969 c.371 §1; 195 c.690 §11; 1977
c.764 §2; 1987 c.903 §20; 1991 c.901 §1; repealed by 1993 c.484 §27]
(Emergency and Voluntary Admissions)
426.180 Emergency
commitment of certain Native Americans. (1) This section applies to commitments of a person from a
reservation for land-based tribes of Native Americans when, under federal law,
the state does not have jurisdiction of commitments on the reservation.
(2) When this section is
applicable as provided under subsection (1) of this section, a person alleged
to be mentally ill by affidavit of two other persons may be admitted to a state
hospital for the mentally ill for emergency treatment, care and custody,
provided such affidavit includes or is accompanied by all of the following:
(a)
The circumstances constituting the emergency.
(b)
Written application for admission to the hospital, executed in duplicate.
(c)
A certificate to the effect that the person is so mentally ill as to be in need
of immediate hospitalization.
(d)
A medical history, including the name, condition, sex and age of the person.
(e)
The name and address of the nearest relative or legal guardian, if any, of the
person.
(3) The certificates,
applications and medical histories shall be made upon forms prescribed by the
Department of Human Services and shall be executed by the county health officer
or by two physicians licensed by the Board of Medical Examiners, none of whom
shall be related to the person by blood or marriage.
(4) When a person is
admitted to a state hospital under this section, any physician treating the
person shall give the person the warning under ORS 426.123.
(5) This section may be
applied as provided by agreement with the ruling body of the reservation.
Payment of costs for a commitment made under this section shall be as provided
under ORS 426.250.
426.190 Admission on
emergency commitment.
Immediately upon execution of the documents mentioned in ORS 426.180, the
person, together with the documents, shall be transported by the sheriff or
other person on the authorization of the county health officers or deputy to
the state hospital indicated by law to receive such patient. The chief medical
officer of the state hospital may refuse to admit the person unless the chief
medical officer is satisfied from the documents that an emergency exists, and
that the person is so mentally ill as to be in need of immediate hospitalization.
The superintendent shall file such documents in the office of the hospital,
where they shall remain a matter of record. If the superintendent is satisfied
that an emergency exists, and that such person is so mentally ill as to be in
need of immediate hospitalization, the superintendent shall receive and care
for as a patient in the hospital the person named in the documents.
426.200 Duties following
emergency admission; application for voluntary admission; court commitment. Within 48 hours after admission
under ORS 426.190, an examination as to the mental condition of any person so
admitted shall be commenced and shall be conducted as expeditiously as possible
by two staff physicians of the state hospital where the person has been
received. If, after completion of the examination, the physicians certify that
the person is so mentally ill as to be in need of treatment, care or custody,
the superintendent shall, if the superintendent determines that further
hospitalization is necessary, within 48 hours thereafter, either obtain from
the mentally ill person a signed application for voluntary admission under the
provisions of ORS 426.220 or file a complaint with the court having
jurisdiction under ORS 426.060 in the county where the hospital is located,
requesting a court commitment as provided by law. If the examining physicians
certify that the person is not so mentally ill as to be in need of treatment,
care or custody, the superintendent of the state hospital shall immediately
discharge the person. Costs shall be paid as provided under ORS 426.250.
426.210 Limit of
detention after commitment in emergency proceedings. In no event shall any person
admitted to a state hospital pursuant to the emergency proceedings provided by
ORS 426.180 to 426.200 be detained therein by virtue of such proceedings for
more than five judicial days following admission. The court, for good cause,
may allow a postponement and detention during the postponement as provided
under ORS 426.095.
426.215 [1965 c.628 §1; 1973 c.838 §32;
1975 c.690 §14; 1977 c.764 §3; 1979 c.408 §4; 1985 c.743 §§1,2,3; 1987 c.368
§1; 1987 c.903 §§24,25; repealed by 1993 c.484 §27]
426.217 Change of status
of committed patient to voluntary patient; effect of change. At any time after commitment by the
court, the person, with the approval of the Department of Human Services or its
designee, may change the status of the person to that of a voluntary
patient. Notwithstanding ORS 426.220, any person who alters status to that
of a voluntary patient under this section shall be released from the treating
facility within 72 hours of the request of the person for release.
426.220 Voluntary
admission; leave of absence; notice to parent or guardian. (1) Pursuant to rules and
regulations promulgated by the Department of Human Services, the superintendent
of any state hospital for the treatment and care of the mentally ill may admit
and hospitalize therein as a patient, any person who may be suffering from
nervous disorder or mental illness, and who voluntarily has made written
application for such admission. No person under the age of 18 years shall be
admitted as a patient to any such state hospital unless an application therefor
in behalf of the person has been executed by the parent, adult next of kin or
legal guardian of the person. Except when a period of longer hospitalization
has been imposed as a condition of admission, pursuant to rules and regulations
of the department, no person voluntarily admitted to any state hospital shall
be detained therein more than 72 hours after the person, if at least 18 years
of age, has given notice in writing of a desire to be discharged therefrom, or,
if the patient is under the age of 18 years, after notice in writing has been
given by the parent, adult next of kin or legal guardian of the person that
such parent, adult next of kin or legal guardian desires that such person be
discharged therefrom.
(2) Any person voluntarily
admitted to a state hospital pursuant to this section may upon application and
notice to the superintendent of the hospital concerned, be granted a temporary
leave of absence from the hospital if such leave, in the opinion of the
superintendent, will not interfere with the successful treatment or examination
of the applicant for leave.
(3) Upon admission or
discharge of a minor to or from a state hospital the superintendent shall
immediately notify the parent or guardian.
426.222 [1953 c.597 §1; 1961 c.385 §1; 1969
c.391 §3; 1969 c.638 §4; repealed by 1975 c.690 §28]
426.223 Retaking persons
in custody of or committed to department; assistance of peace officers and
others. In retaking
custody of a mentally ill person who has been committed to the Department of
Human Services under ORS 426.130 and who has, without lawful authority, left
the custody of the facility to which the person has been assigned under ORS
426.060, or in the case of an allegedly mentally ill person who is in custody
under ORS 426.070, 426.095, 426.228 to 426.235 or 426.237 at a hospital or
nonhospital facility and who has, without lawful authority, left the hospital
or nonhospital facility, the facility director or designee has all the powers
provided by ORS 133.225 and 161.255 and may require the assistance of any peace
officer or other person.
426.224 [1953 c.597 §2; 1961 c.385 §2; 1969
c.391 §4; 1969 c.638 §5; repealed by 1975 c.690 §28]
426.225 Voluntary
admission to state hospital of committed person; examination by physician. (1) If any person who has been
committed to the Department of Human Services under ORS 426.127 or 426.130
(1)(b)(B) or (C) requests, during this period of commitment, voluntary
admission to a state hospital, the superintendent shall cause the person to be
examined immediately by a physician. If the physician finds the person to be in
need of immediate care or treatment for mental illness, the person shall be
voluntarily admitted upon request of the person.
(2) If any person who has
been committed to the department under ORS 426.127 or 426.130 (1)(b)(B) or (C)
requests, during this period of commitment, voluntary admission to a facility
approved by the department, the administrator of the facility shall cause the
person to be examined immediately by a physician. If the physician finds the
person to be in need of immediate care or treatment for mental illness, and the
department grants approval, the person shall be voluntarily admitted upon
request of the person.
426.226 [1953 c.597 §3; 1969 c.391 §5; 1969
c.638 §6; repealed by 1975 c.690 §28]
(Emergency Care and Treatment)
426.228 Custody;
authority of peace officers and other persons; transporting to facility;
reports; examination of person. (1) A peace officer may take into custody a person who the
officer has probable cause to believe is dangerous to self or to any other
person and is in need of immediate care, custody or treatment for mental
illness. As directed by the community mental health and developmental
disabilities program director, a peace officer shall remove a person taken into
custody under this section to the nearest hospital or nonhospital facility
approved by the Department of Human Services. The officer shall prepare a
written report and deliver it to the treating physician. The report shall
state:
(a)
The reason for custody;
(b)
The date, time and place the person was taken into custody; and
(c)
The name of the community mental health and developmental disabilities program
director and a telephone number where the director may be reached at all times.
(2) A peace officer shall
take a person into custody when the community mental health and developmental
disabilities program director, pursuant to ORS 426.233, notifies the peace
officer that the director has probable cause to believe that the person is
imminently dangerous to self or to any other person. As directed by the
community mental health and developmental disabilities program director, the
peace officer shall remove the person to a hospital or nonhospital facility
approved by the department. The community mental health and developmental
disabilities program director shall prepare a written report that the peace
officer shall deliver to the treating physician. The report shall state:
(a)
The reason for custody;
(b)
The date, time and place the person was taken into custody; and
(c)
The name of the community mental health and developmental disabilities program
director and a telephone number where the director may be reached at all times.
(3) If more than one hour
will be required to transport the person to the hospital or nonhospital
facility from the location where the person was taken into custody, the peace
officer shall obtain, if possible, a certificate from a physician licensed by
the Board of Medical Examiners for the State of Oregon stating that the travel
will not be detrimental to the person's physical health and that the person is dangerous to self or to any
other person and is in need of immediate care or treatment for mental illness.
The physician shall have personally examined the allegedly mentally ill person
within 24 hours prior to signing the certificate.
(4) When a peace officer or
other authorized person, acting under this section, delivers a person to a
hospital or nonhospital facility, a physician licensed by the Board of Medical
Examiners for the State of
(5) A peace officer may
transfer a person in custody under this section to the custody of a person
authorized by the county governing body under ORS 426.233 (3). The peace
officer may meet the authorized person at any location that is in accordance
with ORS 426.140 to effect the transfer. When transferring a person in custody
to an authorized person, the peace officer shall deliver the report required
under subsections (1) and (2) of this section to the authorized person.
(6) A person authorized
under ORS 426.233 (3) shall take a person into custody when directed to do so
by a peace officer or by a community mental health and developmental
disabilities program director under ORS 426.233.
(7) A person authorized
under ORS 426.233 (3) shall perform the duties of the peace officer or the
community mental health and developmental disabilities program director
required by this section and ORS 426.233 if the peace officer or the director
has not already done so.
(8) A person authorized
under ORS 426.233 (3) may transfer a person in custody under this section to
the custody of another person authorized under ORS 426.233 (3) or a peace
officer. The authorized person transferring custody may meet another authorized
person or a peace officer at any location that is in accordance with ORS
426.140 to effect the transfer.
426.230 [Amended by 1955 c.651 §7; repealed
by 1957 c.388 §17]
426.231 Physician hold;
when authorized; statement required. (1) A physician licensed by the Board of Medical Examiners
for the State of Oregon may hold a person for transportation to a treatment
facility for up to 12 hours in a health care facility licensed under ORS
chapter 431 and approved by the Department of Human Services if:
(a)
The physician believes the person is dangerous to self or to any other person
and is in need of emergency care or treatment for mental illness;
(b)
The physician is not related to the person by blood or marriage; and
(c)
An admitting physician at the receiving facility consents to the transporting.
(2) Before transporting the
person, the physician shall prepare a written statement that:
(a)
The physician has examined the person within the preceding 12 hours;
(b)
An admitting physician at the receiving facility has consented to the
transporting of the person for examination and admission if appropriate; and
(c)
The physician believes the person is dangerous to self or to any other person
and is in need of emergency care or treatment for mental illness.
(3) The written statement
required by subsection (2) of this section authorizes a peace officer, a person
authorized under ORS 426.233 or the designee of a community mental health and
developmental disabilities program director to transport a person to the
treatment facility indicated on the statement.
426.232 Physician
emergency admission; notice; limit of hold. (1) When a physician licensed to practice medicine
by the Board of Medical Examiners for the State of Oregon believes a person who
is brought to a hospital or nonhospital facility by a peace officer under ORS
426.228, a person authorized under ORS 426.233 or a person who is at a hospital
or nonhospital facility is dangerous to self or to any other person and is in
need of emergency care or treatment for mental illness, the physician may do
one of the following:
(a)
After consulting with a physician or a qualified mental health professional, as
defined by rule of the Department of Human Services, detain the person and
cause the person to be admitted or, if the person is already admitted, cause
the person to be retained in a hospital where the physician has admitting
privileges or is on staff. Neither the physician nor the qualified mental
health professional may be related by blood or marriage to the person.
(b)
Approve the person for emergency care or treatment at a nonhospital facility
approved by the department.
(2) When approving a person
for emergency care or treatment at a nonhospital facility under this section,
the physician shall notify immediately the community mental health and
developmental disabilities program director in the county where the person was
taken into custody and maintain the person, if the person is being held at a
hospital, for as long as is feasible given the needs of the person for mental
or physical health or safety. However, under no circumstances may the person be
held for longer than five judicial days.
426.233 Authority of
community mental health and developmental disabilities program director and of
other persons; costs of transportation.
(1)
(a)
A community mental health and developmental disabilities program director
operating under ORS 430.610 to 430.695 or a designee thereof, under
authorization of a county governing body, may take one of the actions listed in
paragraph (b) of this subsection when the community mental health and
developmental disabilities program director or designee has probable cause to
believe a person:
(A)
Is dangerous to self or to any other person and is in need of immediate care,
custody or treatment for mental illness; or
(B)
(i)
Is a mentally ill person placed on conditional release under ORS 426.125,
outpatient commitment under ORS 426.127 or trial visit under ORS 426.273; and
(ii)
Is dangerous to self or to any other person or is unable to provide for basic
personal needs and is not receiving the care that is necessary for health and
safety and is in need of immediate care, custody or treatment for mental
illness.
(b)
The community mental health and developmental disabilities program director or
designee under the circumstances set out in paragraph (a) of this subsection
may:
(A)
Notify a peace officer to take the person into custody and direct the officer
to remove the person to a hospital or nonhospital facility approved by the
Department of Human Services;
(B)
Authorize involuntary admission of, or, if already admitted, cause to be
involuntarily retained in a nonhospital facility approved by the department, a
person approved for care or treatment at a nonhospital facility by a physician
under ORS 426.232;
(C)
Notify a person authorized under subsection (3) of this section to take the
person into custody and direct the authorized person to remove the person in
custody to a hospital or nonhospital facility approved by the department;
(D)
Direct a person authorized under subsection (3) of this section to transport a
person in custody from a hospital or a nonhospital facility approved by the
department to another hospital or nonhospital facility approved by the
department as provided under ORS 426.235; or
(E)
Direct a person authorized under subsection (3) of this section to transport a
person in custody from a facility approved by the department to another
facility approved by the department as provided under ORS 426.060.
(2) A designee under
subsection (1) of this section must be recommended by the community mental
health and developmental disabilities program director, meet the standards
established by rule of the department and be approved by the county governing
body before assuming the authority permitted under subsection (1) of this
section.
(3) The county governing
body may, upon recommendation by the community mental health and developmental
disabilities program director, authorize any person to provide custody and
secure transportation services for a person in custody under ORS 426.228. In
authorizing a person under this subsection, the county governing body shall
grant the person the authority to do the following:
(a)
Accept custody from a peace officer of a person in custody under ORS 426.228;
(b)
Take custody of a person upon notification by the community mental health and
developmental disabilities program director under the provisions of this
section;
(c)
Remove a person in custody to an approved hospital or nonhospital facility as
directed by the community mental health and developmental disabilities program
director;
(d)
Transfer a person in custody to another person authorized under this subsection
or a peace officer;
(e)
Transfer a person in custody from a hospital or nonhospital facility to another
hospital facility or nonhospital facility when directed to do so by the community
mental health and developmental disabilities program director; and
(f)
Retain a person in custody at the approved hospital or nonhospital facility
until a physician makes a determination under ORS 426.232.
(4) A person authorized
under subsection (3) of this section must be recommended by the community
mental health and developmental disabilities program director, meet the
standards established by rule of the department and be approved by the
governing body before assuming the authority granted under this section.
(5) The costs of
transporting a person as authorized under ORS 426.060, 426.228 or 426.235 by a
person authorized under subsection (3) of this section shall be the
responsibility of the county whose peace officer or community mental health and
developmental disabilities program director directs the authorized person to
take custody of a person and to transport the person to a facility approved by
the department, but the county shall not be responsible for costs that exceed
the amount provided by the state for that transportation. A person authorized
to act under subsection (3) of this section shall charge the cost of emergency
medical transportation to, and collect that cost from, the person, third party
payers or otherwise legally responsible persons or agencies in the same manner
that costs for the transportation of other persons are charged and collected.
426.234 Duties of
professionals at facility where person admitted; notification; duties of court. (1) At the time a person is
admitted to or retained in a hospital or nonhospital facility under ORS 426.232
or 426.233, a physician, nurse or qualified mental health professional at the
hospital or nonhospital facility shall:
(a)
Inform the person of the person’s right to representation by or
appointment of counsel as described in ORS 426.100;
(b)
Give the person the warning under ORS 426.123;
(c)
Immediately examine the allegedly mentally ill person; and
(d)
Set forth, in writing, the condition of the person and the need for emergency
care or treatment.
(2)(a) At the time the
person is admitted to or retained in a hospital under ORS 426.232, the
physician shall contact the community mental health and developmental
disabilities program director of the county in which the person resides, if the
county of residence is different from the county in which the hospital is
located. The community mental health and developmental disabilities program
director may request that the physician notify the circuit court in the county
in which the person resides. If the community mental health and developmental
disabilities program director does not make the request authorized by this
paragraph, the physician shall notify, immediately and in writing, the circuit
court in the county in which the person is hospitalized.
(b)
At the time the person is admitted to a hospital under ORS 426.232 after being
brought to the hospital by a peace officer under ORS 426.228, the physician
shall contact the community mental health and developmental disabilities
program director of the county in which the person is hospitalized. The
community mental health and developmental disabilities program director of the
county in which the person is hospitalized may request that the physician
notify the circuit court in the county in which the person is hospitalized. If
the community mental health and developmental disabilities program director
does not make the request authorized by this paragraph, the physician shall
notify, immediately and in writing, the circuit court in the county in which
the person was taken into custody.
(c)
If, at any time prior to the hearing under ORS 426.070 to 426.130, the
physician responsible for a person admitted or retained under ORS 426.232
determines that the person is not dangerous to self or others and is not in
need of emergency care or treatment for mental illness, the physician may
release the person from the detention authorized by ORS 426.232. The physician
shall immediately notify the circuit court notified under this subsection and
the community mental health and developmental disabilities program director of
the person’s release from detention.
(3)(a) At the time the
person is admitted to or retained in a nonhospital facility under ORS 426.233,
the community mental health and developmental disabilities program director in
the county where the person was taken into custody shall contact the community
mental health and developmental disabilities program director of the county in
which the person resides, if the county of residence is different from the
county in which the person was taken into custody. The community mental health
and developmental disabilities program director of the county in which the
person resides may request that the community mental health and developmental
disabilities program director of the county in which the person was taken into
custody notify the circuit court in the county where the person resides.
Otherwise, the community mental health and developmental disabilities program
director of the county in which the person was taken into custody shall notify,
immediately and in writing, the circuit court in the county in which the person
was taken into custody.
(b)
If, at any time prior to the hearing under ORS 426.070 to 426.130, a community
mental health and developmental disabilities program director, after
consultation with a physician, determines that a person admitted or retained
under ORS 426.233 is not dangerous to self or others and is not in need of
immediate care, custody or treatment for mental illness, the community mental
health and developmental disabilities program director may release the person
from detention. The community mental health and developmental disabilities
program director shall immediately notify the circuit court originally notified
under paragraph (a) of this subsection of the person’s release from
detention.
(4) When the judge of the
circuit court receives notice under subsection (2) or (3) of this section, the
judge immediately shall commence proceedings under ORS 426.070 to 426.130. In a
county having a population of 100,000 or more, and when feasible in a county
with a lesser population, the community mental health and developmental
disabilities program director or designee who directs the peace officer or
other authorized person to take a person into custody under ORS 426.233 shall
not also conduct the investigation as provided for under ORS 426.074. Except
when a person is being held under ORS 426.237 (1)(b), a person shall not be
held under ORS 426.232 or 426.233 for more than five judicial days without a
hearing being held under ORS 426.070 to 426.130.
(5) When the judge of the
circuit court receives notice under subsection (2)(c) or (3)(b) of this section
that a person has been released, and unless the court receives the
recommendation required by ORS 426.070 (4), the judge shall dismiss the case no
later than 14 days after the date the person was initially detained.
426.235 Transfer between
hospital and nonhospital facilities. (1) The community mental health and developmental
disabilities program director may transfer a person in custody under ORS
426.232, 426.233 or 426.237 (1)(b) to a hospital or nonhospital facility
approved by the Department of Human Services at any time during the period of
detention.
(2) A person in custody at
a hospital may be transferred from the hospital only with the consent of the
treating physician and when the director of a nonhospital facility approved by
the department agrees to admit the person.
(3) A person in custody at
a nonhospital facility approved by the department may be transferred to a
hospital approved by the department only when a physician with admitting
privileges agrees to admit the person.
(4) In transporting a
person between a hospital and nonhospital facility under this section, the
community mental health and developmental disabilities program director has all
the powers provided in ORS 133.225 and 161.255 and may compel the assistance of
any peace officer or other person.
(5) When a person is
transferred under this section, the community mental health and developmental
disabilities program director shall notify immediately the court notified under
ORS 426.234 (2) or (3) of the fact of the transfer and of the location of the
person.
426.236 Rules. The Department of Human Services
shall adopt rules necessary to carry out the provisions of ORS 426.155 and
426.228 to 426.238.
426.237 Prehearing
detention; duties of community mental health and developmental disabilities
program director; certification for treatment; court proceedings. (1) During a prehearing period of
detention as provided in ORS 426.070, 426.140, 426.232 or 426.233, the
community mental health and developmental disabilities program director shall
do one of the following:
(a)
Recommend, in an investigation report as provided in ORS 426.074, that the
circuit court not proceed further in the matter if the community mental health
and developmental disabilities program director does not believe the person is
a mentally ill person.
(b)
No later than three judicial days after initiation of a prehearing period of
detention as provided in ORS 426.070, 426.140, 426.232 or 426.233, certify the
detained person for a 14-day period of intensive treatment if:
(A)
The community mental health and developmental disabilities program director and
a psychiatrist, as defined by rule by the Department of Human Services, have
probable cause to believe the person is a mentally ill person;
(B)
The community mental health and developmental disabilities program director in the
county where the person resides verbally approves the arrangements for payment
for the services at the hospital or nonhospital facility; and
(C)
The community mental health and developmental disabilities program director
locates a hospital or nonhospital facility that:
(i)
Is approved by the department and the community mental health and developmental
disabilities program director in the county where the person resides; and
(ii)
Can, in the opinion of the community mental health and developmental disabilities
program director and the psychiatrist, provide intensive care or treatment for
mental illness necessary and sufficient to meet the emergency psychiatric needs
of the person.
(c)
Recommend, in an investigation report as provided in ORS 426.074, that the
circuit court hold a hearing under ORS 426.070 to 426.130 if the community
mental health and developmental disabilities program director has probable
cause to believe the person is a mentally ill person.
(2)(a) If the circuit court
adopts the recommendation of the community mental health and developmental
disabilities program director under subsection (1)(a) of this section, the
circuit court shall enter an order releasing the person and dismissing the
case. Unless the person agrees to voluntary treatment, if the person is being
detained in a:
(A) Nonhospital facility, the director shall make discharge
plans and insure the discharge of the person.
(B) Hospital, the treating physician shall make discharge
plans and discharge the person.
(b)
Upon release of the person, the community mental health and developmental
disabilities program director shall attempt to notify the person’s next of kin if the person consents
to the notification.
(3)(a) If the detained
person is certified for treatment under subsection (1)(b) of this section, the
community mental health and developmental disabilities program director shall:
(A)