Excerpts from K.S.A. Chapter 59
Article 29, Care and Treatment for Mentally Ill Persons
Current through end of 2023 legislative session
59-2946 Definitions
59-2947 Computation of time
59-2948 Civil rights of persons subject to the act; firearms restriction of K.S.A. 21-6301 remain applicable
59-2953 Investigation; emergency detention; authority and duty of law enforcement officers
59-2954 Emergency observation and treatment; authority of treatment facility’s procedure; application by law enforcement officer
59-2957 Petition for determination of mental illness; request for ex parte emergency custody order; content
59-2958 Ex parte emergency custody order
59-2959 Temporary custody order; request for; procedure; holding in jail prohibited; order for law enforcement to detain and transport; place for detention
59-2961 Order for a mental evaluation; procedure;
59-2963 Notice; contents; service
59-2968 Admissions to a state psychiatric hospital; moratorium; procedure
59-2970 Transportation
59-2974 Notice of discharge; restoration of firearms rights
59-2975 Unauthorized absence; procedure; notice and duties of sheriff
59-2980 Civil and criminal liability
59-2983 Applicability to persons in custody on criminal charges
NEW BUDGET LAW IN 2023, THIS IS FROM A BUDGET BILL AND WILL NOT BE CODIFIED. IT IS A PROVISO AND IS ONLY VALID FROM THE 2024 FY
HB2184 Section 89 Subsection (x) Reimbursement of Expenses Holding Persons for Involuntary Mental Health Commitment Locally Due to Lack of State Hospital Beds Delaying Admission
During the fiscal year ending June 30, 2024, in addition to the other purposes for which expenditures may be made by the above agency from moneys appropriated from the state general fund or any special revenue fund or funds for fiscal year 2024 as authorized by this or any other appropriation act of the 2023 regular session of the legislature, expenditures shall be made by the above agency from such moneys in an amount not to exceed $5,000,000 for the purpose of reimbursing healthcare providers, law enforcement and other county entities for unpaid costs of patient observation and transportation.
NOTE: Information is forthcoming from KDADS on the reimbursement process.
History: L. 2023, ch. 82, § 89; May 18, 2023
59-2946. Definitions.
When used in the care and treatment act for mentally ill persons:
(a) "Discharge" means the final and complete release from treatment, by either the head of a treatment facility acting pursuant to K.S.A. 59-2950, and amendments thereto, or by an order of a court issued pursuant to K.S.A. 59-2973, and amendments thereto.
(b) "Head of a treatment facility" means the administrative director of a treatment facility or such person's designee.
(c) "Law enforcement officer" means the same as defined in K.S.A. 22-2202, and amendments thereto.
(d) (1) "Mental health center" means any community mental health center as defined in K.S.A. 2017 Supp. 39-2002, and amendments thereto, or a mental health clinic organized as a not-for-profit or a for-profit corporation pursuant to K.S.A. 17-1701 through 17-1775, and amendments thereto, or K.S.A. 17-6001 through 17-6010, and amendments thereto, and licensed in accordance with the provisions of K.S.A. 2017 Supp. 39-3601, and amendments thereto.
(2) "Participating mental health center" means a mental health center that has entered into a contract with the secretary for aging and disability services pursuant to the provisions of K.S.A. 39-1601 through 39-1612, and amendments thereto.
(e) "Mentally ill person" means any person who is suffering from a mental disorder that is manifested by a clinically significant behavioral or psychological syndrome or pattern and associated with either a painful symptom or an impairment in one or more important areas of functioning, and involving substantial behavioral, psychological or biological dysfunction, to the extent that the person is in need of treatment.
(f) (1) "Mentally ill person subject to involuntary commitment for care and treatment" means a mentally ill person, as defined in subsection (e), who also lacks capacity to make an informed decision concerning treatment, is likely to cause harm to self or others, and whose diagnosis is not solely one of the following mental disorders: Alcohol or chemical substance abuse; antisocial personality disorder; intellectual disability; organic personality syndrome; or an organic mental disorder.
(2) "Lacks capacity to make an informed decision concerning treatment" means that the person, by reason of the person's mental disorder, is unable, despite conscientious efforts at explanation, to understand basically the nature and effects of hospitalization or treatment or is unable to engage in a rational decision-making process regarding hospitalization or treatment, as evidenced by an inability to weigh the possible risks and benefits.
(3) "Likely to cause harm to self or others" means that the person, by reason of the person's mental disorder: (A) Is likely, in the reasonably foreseeable future, to cause substantial physical injury or physical abuse to self or others or substantial damage to another's property, as evidenced by behavior threatening, attempting or causing such injury, abuse or damage; except that if the harm threatened, attempted or caused is only harm to the property of another, the harm must be of such a value and extent that the state's interest in protecting the property from such harm outweighs the person's interest in personal liberty; or (B) is substantially unable, except for reason of indigency, to provide for any of the person's basic needs, such as food, clothing, shelter, health or safety, causing a substantial deterioration of the person's ability to function on the person's own.
No person who is being treated by prayer in the practice of the religion of any church that teaches reliance on spiritual means alone through prayer for healing shall be determined to be a mentally ill person subject to involuntary commitment for care and treatment under this act unless substantial evidence is produced upon which the district court finds that the proposed patient is likely in the reasonably foreseeable future to cause substantial physical injury or physical abuse to self or others or substantial damage to another's property, as evidenced by behavior threatening, attempting or causing such injury, abuse or damage; except that if the harm threatened, attempted or caused is only harm to the property of another, the harm must be of such a value and extent that the state's interest in protecting the property from such harm outweighs the person's interest in personal liberty.
(g) "Patient" means a person who is a voluntary patient, a proposed patient or an involuntary patient.
(1) "Voluntary patient" means a person who is receiving treatment at a treatment facility pursuant to K.S.A. 59-2949, and amendments thereto.
(2) "Proposed patient" means a person for whom a petition pursuant to K.S.A. 59-2952 or 59-2957, and amendments thereto, has been filed.
(3) "Involuntary patient" means a person who is receiving treatment under order of a court or a person admitted and detained by a treatment facility pursuant to an application filed pursuant to K.S.A. 59-2954(b) or (c), and amendments thereto.
(h) "Physician" means a person licensed to practice medicine and surgery as provided for in the Kansas healing arts act or a person who is employed by a state psychiatric hospital or by an agency of the United States and who is authorized by law to practice medicine and surgery within that hospital or agency.
(i) "Psychologist" means a licensed psychologist, as defined by K.S.A. 74-5302, and amendments thereto.
(j) "Qualified mental health professional" means a physician or psychologist who is employed by a participating mental health center or who is providing services as a physician or psychologist under a contract with a participating mental health center, a licensed masters level psychologist, a licensed clinical psychotherapist, a licensed marriage and family therapist, a licensed clinical marriage and family therapist, a licensed professional counselor, a licensed clinical professional counselor, a licensed specialist social worker or a licensed master social worker or a registered nurse who has a specialty in psychiatric nursing, who is employed by a participating mental health center and who is acting under the direction of a physician or psychologist who is employed by, or under contract with, a participating mental health center.
(1) "Direction" means monitoring and oversight including regular, periodic evaluation of services.
(2) "Licensed master social worker" means a person licensed as a master social worker by the behavioral sciences regulatory board under K.S.A. 65-6301 through 65-6318, and amendments thereto.
(3) "Licensed specialist social worker" means a person licensed in a social work practice specialty by the behavioral sciences regulatory board under K.S.A. 65-6301 through 65-6318, and amendments thereto.
(4) "Licensed masters level psychologist" means a person licensed as a licensed masters level psychologist by the behavioral sciences regulatory board under K.S.A. 74-5361 through 74-5373, and amendments thereto.
(5) "Registered nurse" means a person licensed as a registered professional nurse by the board of nursing under K.S.A. 65-1113 through 65-1164, and amendments thereto.
(k) "Secretary" means the secretary for aging and disability services.
(l) "State psychiatric hospital" means Larned state hospital, Osawatomie state hospital or Rainbow mental health facility.
(m) "Treatment" means any service intended to promote the mental health of the patient and rendered by a qualified professional, licensed or certified by the state to provide such service as an independent practitioner or under the supervision of such practitioner.
(n) "Treatment facility" means any mental health center or clinic, psychiatric unit of a medical care facility, state psychiatric hospital, psychologist, physician or other institution or person authorized or licensed by law to provide either inpatient or outpatient treatment to any patient.
(o) The terms defined in K.S.A. 59-3051, and amendments thereto, shall have the meanings provided by that section.
History: L. 1996, ch. 167, § 2; L. 1997, ch. 142, § 5; L. 1998, ch. 163, § 1; L. 2001, ch. 154, § 5; L. 2002, ch. 114, § 62; L. 2012, ch. 91, § 36; L. 2014, ch. 115, § 208; L. 2018, ch. 71, § 18; July 1.
(a) In computing the date upon or by which any act must be done or hearing held by under provisions of this article, the day on which an act or event occurred and from which a designated period of time is to be calculated shall not be included, but the last day in a designated period of time shall be included unless that day falls on a Saturday, Sunday or legal holiday, in which case the next day which is not a Saturday, Sunday or legal holiday shall be considered to be the last day.
(b) Unless the court orders otherwise, if the clerk's office is inaccessible on the last day for filing, then the time for filing is extended to the first accessible day that is not a Saturday, Sunday or legal holiday.
(c) "Legal holiday" means any day declared a holiday by the president of the United States, the congress of the United States or the legislature of this state, or any day observed by order of the Kansas supreme court. A half holiday is considered as other days and not as a holiday.
History: L. 1996, ch. 167, § 3; L. 2010, ch. 135, § 60; July 1.
59-2948. Civil rights of persons subject to the provisions of this act.
(a) The fact that a person may have voluntarily accepted any form of psychiatric treatment, or become subject to a court order entered under authority of this act, shall not be construed to mean that such person shall have lost any civil right they otherwise would have as a resident or citizen, any property right or their legal capacity, except as may be specified within any court order or as otherwise limited by the provisions of this act or the reasonable rules and regulations which the head of a treatment facility may for good cause find necessary to make for the orderly operations of that facility. No person held in custody under the provisions of this act shall be denied the right to apply for a writ of habeas corpus.
(b) There shall be no implication or presumption that a patient within the terms of this act is for that reason alone a person in need of a guardian or a conservator as provided for in K.S.A. 59-3050 through 59-3095, and amendments thereto.
(c) A person who is a mentally ill person subject to involuntary commitment for care and treatment as defined in K.S.A. 59-2946, and amendments thereto, or a person with an alcohol or substance abuse problem subject to involuntary commitment for care and treatment as defined in K.S.A. 59-29b46, and amendments thereto, shall be subject to K.S.A. 2017 Supp. 21-6301, and amendments thereto.
History: L. 1996, ch. 167, § 4; L. 2002, ch. 114, § 63; L. 2006, ch. 210, § 15; L. 2011, ch. 30, § 209; July 1.
59-2953. Investigation; emergency detention; authority and duty of law enforcement officers.
(a) Any law enforcement officer who has a reasonable belief formed upon investigation that a person is a mentally ill person and because of such person's mental illness is likely to cause harm to self or others if allowed to remain at liberty may take the person into custody without a warrant. If the officer is in a crisis intervention center service area, as defined in K.S.A. 2021 Supp. 59-29c02, and amendments thereto, the officer may transport the person to such crisis intervention center. If the officer is not in a crisis intervention center service area, as defined in K.S.A. 2021 Supp. 59-29c02, and amendments thereto, or does not choose to transport the person to such crisis intervention center, then the officer shall transport the person to a treatment facility where the person shall be examined by a physician or psychologist on duty at the treatment facility, except that no person shall be transported to a state psychiatric hospital for examination, unless a written statement from a qualified mental health professional authorizing such an evaluation at a state psychiatric hospital has been obtained. If no physician or psychologist is on duty at the time the person is transported to the treatment facility, the person shall be examined within a reasonable time not to exceed 17 hours. If a written statement is made by the physician or psychologist at the treatment facility that after preliminary examination the physician or psychologist believes the person likely to be a mentally ill person subject to involuntary commitment for care and treatment and because of the person's mental illness is likely to cause harm to self or others if allowed to remain at liberty, and if the treatment facility is willing to admit the person, the law enforcement officer shall present to the treatment facility the application provided for in K.S.A. 59-2954(b), and amendments thereto. If the physician or psychologist on duty at the treatment facility does not believe the person likely to be a mentally ill person subject to involuntary commitment for care and treatment the law enforcement officer shall return the person to the place where the person was taken into custody and release the person at that place or at another place in the same community as requested by the person or if the law enforcement officer believes that it is not in the best interests of the person or the person's family or the general public for the person to be returned to the place the person was taken into custody, then the person shall be released at another place the law enforcement officer believes to be appropriate under the circumstances. The person may request to be released immediately after the examination, in which case the law enforcement officer shall immediately release the person, unless the law enforcement officer believes it is in the best interests of the person or the person's family or the general public that the person be taken elsewhere for release.
(b) If the physician or psychologist on duty at the treatment facility states that, in the physician's or psychologist's opinion, the person is likely to be a mentally ill person subject to involuntary commitment for care and treatment but the treatment facility is unwilling to admit the person, the treatment facility shall nevertheless provide a suitable place at which the person may be detained by the law enforcement officer. If a law enforcement officer detains a person pursuant to this subsection, the law enforcement officer shall file the petition provided for in K.S.A. 59-2957(a), and amendments thereto, by the close of business of the first day that the district court is open for the transaction of business or shall release the person. No person shall be detained by a law enforcement officer pursuant to this subsection in a nonmedical facility used for the detention of persons charged with or convicted of a crime.
History: L. 1996, ch. 167, § 9; L. 1998, ch. 134, § 40; L. 2017, ch. 77, § 18; July 1.
59-2954 Emergency observation and treatment; authority of treatment facility's procedure.
(a) A treatment facility may admit and detain any person for emergency observation and treatment upon an ex parte emergency custody order issued by a district court pursuant to K.S.A. 59-2958 and amendments thereto.
(b) A treatment facility may admit and detain any person presented for emergency observation and treatment upon written application of a law enforcement officer having custody of that person pursuant to K.S.A. 59-2953 and amendments thereto, except that a state psychiatric hospital shall not admit and detain any such person unless a written statement from a qualified mental health professional authorizing such admission to a state psychiatric hospital has been obtained. The application shall state:
(1) The name and address of the person sought to be admitted, if known;
(2) the name and address of the person's spouse or nearest relative, if known;
(3) the officer's belief that the person may be a mentally ill person subject to involuntary commitment and because of the person's mental illness is likely to cause harm to self or others if not immediately detained;
(4) the factual circumstances in support of that belief and the factual circumstances under which the person was taken into custody including any known pending criminal charges; and
(5) the fact that the law enforcement officer will file the petition provided for in K.S.A. 59-2957 and amendments thereto, by the close of business of the first day thereafter that the district court is open for the transaction of business, or that the officer has been informed by a parent, legal guardian or other person that such parent, legal guardian or other person, whose name shall be stated in the application will file the petition provided for in K.S.A. 59-2957 and amendments thereto within that time.
(c) A treatment facility may admit and detain any person presented for emergency observation and treatment upon the written application of any individual, except that a state psychiatric hospital shall not admit and detain any such person, unless a written statement from a qualified mental health professional authorizing such admission to a state psychiatric hospital has been obtained. The application shall state:
(1) The name and address of the person sought to be admitted, if known;
(2) the name and address of the person's spouse or nearest relative, if known;
(3) the applicant's belief that the person may be a mentally ill person subject to involuntary commitment and because of the person's mental illness is likely to cause harm to self or others if not immediately detained;
(4) the factual circumstances in support of that belief;
(5) any pending criminal charges, if known;
(6) the fact that the applicant will file the petition provided for in K.S.A. 59-2957 and amendments thereto by the close of business of the first day thereafter that the district court is open for the transaction of business; and
(7) if the application is to a treatment facility other than a state psychiatric hospital it shall also be accompanied by a statement in writing of a physician, psychologist, or qualified mental health professional finding that the person is likely to be a mentally ill person subject to involuntary commitment for care and treatment under this act.
(d) Any treatment facility or personnel thereof who in good faith renders treatment in accordance with law to any person admitted pursuant to subsection (b) or (c), shall not be liable in a civil or criminal action based upon a claim that the treatment was rendered without legal consent.
History: L. 1996, ch. 167, § 10; L. 1998, ch. 134, § 41; July 1.
59-2957. Petition for determination of mental illness; request for ex parte emergency custody order; content.
(a) A verified petition to determine whether or not a person is a mentally ill person subject to involuntary commitment for care and treatment under this act may be filed in the district court of the county wherein that person resides or wherein such person may be found.
(b) The petition shall state:
(1) The petitioner's belief that the named person is a mentally ill person subject to involuntary commitment and the facts upon which this belief is based;
(2) to the extent known, the name, age, present whereabouts and permanent address of the person named as possibly a mentally ill person subject to involuntary commitment; and if not known, any information the petitioner might have about this person and where the person resides;
(3) to the extent known, the name and address of the person's spouse or nearest relative or relatives, or legal guardian, or if not known, any information the petitioner might have about a spouse, relative or relatives or legal guardian and where they might be found;
(4) to the extent known, the name and address of the person's legal counsel, or if not known, any information the petitioner might have about this person's legal counsel;
(5) to the extent known, whether or not this person is able to pay for medical services, or if not known, any information the petitioner might have about the person's financial circumstances or indigency;
(6) to the extent known, the name and address of any person who has custody of the person, and any known pending criminal charge or charges or of any arrest warrant or warrants outstanding or, if there are none, that fact or if not known, any information the petitioner might have about any current criminal justice system involvement with the person;
(7) the name or names and address or addresses of any witness or witnesses the petitioner believes has knowledge of facts relevant to the issue being brought before the court; and
(8) if the petitioner wishes to recommend to the court that the proposed patient should be sent to a treatment facility other than a state psychiatric hospital, then the name and address of the treatment facility to which the petitioner recommends that the proposed patient be sent for treatment if the proposed patient is found to be a mentally ill person subject to involuntary commitment for care and treatment under this act.
(c) The petition shall be accompanied by:
(1) A signed certificate from a physician, psychologist, or qualified mental health professional designated by the head of a participating mental health center, stating that such professional has personally examined the person and any available records and has found that the person, in such professional's opinion, is likely to be a mentally ill person subject to involuntary commitment for care and treatment under this act, unless the court allows the petition to be accompanied by a verified statement by the petitioner that the petitioner had attempted to have the person seen by a physician, psychologist or such qualified mental health professional, but that the person failed to cooperate to such an extent that the examination was impossible to conduct;
(2) if admission to a treatment facility other than a state psychiatric hospital is sought, if it is then available, a statement of consent to the admission of the proposed patient to the treatment facility named by the petitioner pursuant to subsection (b)(8) signed by the head of that treatment facility or other documentation which shows the willingness of the treatment facility to admitting the proposed patient for care and treatment; and
(3) if applicable, a copy of any notice given pursuant to K.S.A. 59-2951 and amendments thereto in which the named person has sought discharge from a treatment facility into which they had previously entered voluntarily, or a statement from the treating physician or psychologist that the person was admitted as a voluntary patient but now lacks capacity to make an informed decision concerning treatment and is refusing reasonable treatment efforts, and including a description of the treatment efforts being refused.
(d) The petition may include a request that an ex parte emergency custody order be issued pursuant to K.S.A. 59-2958 and amendments thereto. If such request is made the petition shall also include:
(1) A brief statement explaining why the person should be immediately detained or continue to be detained;
(2) the place where the petitioner requests that the person be detained or continue to be detained;
(3) if applicable, because detention is requested in a treatment facility other than a state psychiatric hospital, a statement that the facility is willing to accept and detain such person; and
(4) if applicable, because admission to a state psychiatric hospital is sought, the necessary statement from a qualified mental health professional authorizing admission and emergency care and treatment.
(e) The petition may include a request that a temporary custody order be issued pursuant to K.S.A. 59-2959 and amendments thereto.
History: L. 1996, ch. 167, § 13; L. 1997, ch. 152, § 5; L. 1998, ch. 134, § 43; July 1.
59-2958. Ex parte emergency custody order.
(a) At the time the petition for the determination of whether a person is a mentally ill person subject to involuntary commitment for care and treatment under this act is filed, or any time thereafter prior to the trial upon the petition as provided for in K.S.A. 59-2965 and amendments thereto, the petitioner may request in writing that the district court issue an ex parte emergency order including either or both of the following: (1) An order directing any law enforcement officer to take the person named in the order into custody and transport the person to a designated treatment facility or other suitable place willing to receive and detain the person; (2) an order authorizing any named treatment facility or other place to detain or continue to detain the person until the further order of the court or until the ex parte emergency custody order shall expire.
(b) No ex parte emergency custody order shall provide for the detention of any person at a state psychiatric hospital unless a written statement from a qualified mental health professional authorizing such admission and detention at a state psychiatric hospital has been filed with the court.
(c) No ex parte emergency custody order shall provide for the detention of any person in a nonmedical facility used for the detention of persons charged with or convicted of a crime.
(d) If no other suitable facility at which such person may be detained is willing to accept the person, then the participating mental health center for that area shall provide a suitable place to detain the person until the further order of the court or until the ex parte emergency custody order shall expire.
(e) An ex parte emergency custody order issued under this section shall expire at 5:00 p.m. of the second day the district court is open for the transaction of business after the date of its issuance, which expiration date shall be stated in the order.
(f) The district court shall not issue successive ex parte emergency custody orders.
(g) In lieu of issuing an ex parte emergency custody order, the court may allow the person with respect to whom the request was made to remain at liberty, subject to such conditions as the court may impose.
History: L. 1996, ch. 167, § 14; L. 1997, ch. 152, § 6; L. 1998, ch. 134, § 44; July 1.
59-2959. Temporary custody order; request for; procedure.
(a) At the time that the petition for determination of mental illness is filed, or any time thereafter prior to the trial upon the petition as provided for in K.S.A. 59-2965 and amendments thereto, the petitioner may request in writing that the district court issue a temporary custody order. The request shall state:
(1) The reasons why the person should be detained prior to the hearing on the petition;
(2) whether an ex parte emergency custody order has been requested or was granted; and
(3) the present whereabouts of the person named in the petition.
(b) Upon the filing of a request for a temporary custody order, the court shall set the matter for a hearing which shall be held not later than the close of business of the second day the district court is open for the transaction of business after the filing of the request. The petitioner and the person with respect to whom the request has been filed shall be notified of the time and place of the hearing and that they shall each be afforded an opportunity to appear at the hearing, to testify and to present and cross-examine witnesses. If the person with respect to whom the request has been filed has not yet retained or been appointed an attorney, the court shall appoint an attorney for the person.
(c) At the hearing scheduled upon the request, the person with respect to whom the request has been filed shall be present unless the attorney for the person requests that the person's presence be waived and the court finds that the person's presence at the hearing would be injurious to the person's welfare. The court shall enter in the record of the proceedings the facts upon which the court has found that the presence of the person at the hearing would be injurious to such person's welfare. However, if the person with respect to whom the request has been filed states in writing to the court or to such person's attorney that such person wishes to be present at the hearing, the person's presence cannot be waived.
The hearing shall be conducted in as informal a manner as may be consistent with orderly procedure and in a physical setting not likely to have a harmful effect on the person with respect to whom the request has been filed. All persons not necessary for the conduct of the proceedings may be excluded. The court shall receive all relevant and material evidence which may be offered. The rules governing evidentiary and procedural matters shall be applied to hearings under this section in a manner so as to facilitate informal, efficient presentation of all relevant, probative evidence and resolution of issues with due regard to the interests of all parties. The facts or data upon which a duly qualified expert bases an opinion or inference may be those perceived by or made known to the expert at or before the hearing and if of a type reasonably relied upon by experts in their particular field in forming opinions or inferences upon the subject, the facts or data need not be admissible in evidence. The expert may testify in terms of opinion or inference and give the expert's reasons therefor without prior disclosure of the underlying facts or data unless the court requires otherwise. If requested on cross-examination, the expert shall disclose the underlying facts or data.
If the petitioner is not represented by counsel, the county or district attorney shall represent the petitioner, prepare all necessary papers, appear at the hearing and present such evidence as the county or district attorney determines to be of aid to the court in determining whether or not there is probable cause to believe that the person with respect to whom the request has been filed is a mentally ill person subject to involuntary commitment for care and treatment under this act, and that it would be in the best interests of the person to be detained until the trial upon the petition.
(d) After the hearing, if the court determines from the evidence that:
(1) There is probable cause to believe that the person with respect to whom the request has been filed is a mentally ill person subject to involuntary commitment for care and treatment under this act, and that it is in the best interests of the person to be detained until the trial upon the petition, the court shall issue a temporary custody order;
(2) there is probable cause to believe that the person with respect to whom the request has been filed is a mentally ill person subject to involuntary commitment for care and treatment under this act, but that it would not be in their best interests to be detained until the trial upon the petition, the court may allow the person to be at liberty, subject to such conditions as the court may impose;
(3) there is not probable cause to believe that the person with respect to whom the request has been filed is a mentally ill person subject to involuntary commitment for care and treatment under this act, the court shall terminate the proceedings and release the person.
(e) (1) A temporary custody order issued pursuant to this section may direct any law enforcement officer or any other person designated by the court to take the person named in the order into custody and transport them to a designated treatment facility, and authorize the designated treatment facility to detain and treat the person until the trial upon the petition.
(2) No temporary custody order shall provide for the detention and treatment of any person at a state psychiatric hospital unless a written statement from a qualified mental health professional authorizing such admission and detention at a state psychiatric hospital has been filed with the court.
(3) No temporary custody order shall provide for the detention of any person in a nonmedical facility used for the detention of persons charged with or convicted of a crime.
(4) If no other suitable facility at which such person may be detained is willing to accept the person, then the participating mental health center for that area shall provide a suitable place to detain the person until the further order of the court or until the trial upon the petition.
History: L. 1996, ch. 167, § 15; Apr. 18.
59-2961. Order for a mental evaluation; procedure.
(a) The order for a mental evaluation required by subsection (a)(5) of K.S.A. 59-2960 and amendments thereto, shall be served in the manner provided for in subsections (c) and (d) of K.S.A. 59-2963 and amendments thereto. It shall order the proposed patient to submit to a mental evaluation to be conducted by a physician, psychologist or qualified mental health professional designated by the head of a participating mental health center and to undergo such other physical or other evaluations as may be ordered by the court, except that any proposed patient who is not subject to a temporary custody order issued pursuant to K.S.A. 59-2959 and amendments thereto and who requests a hearing pursuant to K.S.A. 59-2962 and amendments thereto, need not submit to such evaluations until that hearing has been held and the court finds that there is probable cause to believe that the proposed patient is a mentally ill person subject to involuntary commitment for care and treatment under this act. The evaluation may be conducted at a treatment facility, the home of the proposed patient or any other suitable place that the court determines is not likely to have a harmful effect on the welfare of the proposed patient. A state psychiatric hospital shall not be ordered to evaluate any proposed patient, unless a written statement from a qualified mental health professional authorizing such an evaluation at a state psychiatric hospital has been filed with the court.
(b) At the time designated by the court in the order, but in no event later than three days prior to the date of the trial provided for in K.S.A. 59-2965 and amendments thereto, the examiner shall submit to the court a report, in writing, of the evaluation which report also shall be made available to counsel for the parties at least three days prior to the trial. The report also shall be made available to the proposed patient and to whomever the patient directs, unless for good cause recited in the order, the court orders otherwise. Such report shall state that the examiner has made an examination of the proposed patient and shall state the opinion of the examiner on the issue of whether or not the proposed patient is a mentally ill person subject to involuntary commitment for care and treatment under the act and the examiner's opinion as to the least restrictive treatment alternative which will protect the proposed patient and others and allow for the improvement of the proposed patient if treatment is ordered.
History: L. 1996, ch. 167, § 17; L. 1998, ch. 134, § 45; July 1.
(a) Notice as required by subsection (a)(6) of K.S.A. 59-2960, and amendments thereto, shall be given to the proposed patient named in the petition, the proposed patient's legal guardian if there is one, the attorney appointed to represent the proposed patient, the proposed patient's spouse or nearest relative and to such other persons as the court directs. The notice shall also be given to the participating mental health center for the county where the proposed patient resides.
(b) The notice shall state:
(1) That a petition has been filed, alleging that the proposed patient is a mentally ill person subject to involuntary commitment for care and treatment under the act and requesting that the court order treatment;
(2) the date, time and place of the trial;
(3) the name of the attorney appointed to represent the proposed patient and the time and place where the proposed patient shall have the opportunity to consult with this attorney;
(4) that the proposed patient has a right to a jury trial if a written demand for such is filed with the court at least four days prior to the time set for trial; and
(5) that if the proposed patient demands a jury trial, the trial date may have to be continued by the court for a reasonable time in order to empanel a jury, but that this continuance will not exceed 30 days from the date of the filing of the demand.
(c) The court may order any of the following persons to serve the notice upon the proposed patient:
(1) The physician or psychologist currently administering to the proposed patient, if the physician or psychologist consents to doing so;
(2) the head of the participating mental health center or the designee thereof;
(3) the local health officer or such officer's designee;
(4) the secretary for aging and disability services or the secretary's designee if the proposed patient is being detained at a state psychiatric hospital;
(5) any law enforcement officer; or
(6) the attorney of the proposed patient.
(d) The notice shall be served personally on the proposed patient as soon as possible, but not less than six days prior to the date of the trial, and immediate return thereof shall be made to the court by the person serving notice. Unless otherwise ordered by the court, notice shall be served on the proposed patient by a nonuniformed person.
(e) Notice to all other persons may be made by mail or in such other manner as directed by the court.
History: L. 1996, ch. 167, § 19; L. 1998, ch. 134, § 46; L. 2014, ch. 115, § 209; July 1.
59-2968. Admissions to a state psychiatric hospital; moratorium; procedure.
(a) All admissions to a state psychiatric hospital upon any order of a court shall be to the state psychiatric hospital designated by the secretary for aging and disability services. The time and manner of the admission shall be arranged by the participating mental health center authorizing such admission and coordinated with the hospital and the official or agent who shall transport the person.
(b) No patient shall be admitted to a state psychiatric hospital pursuant to any of the provisions of this act, including any court-ordered admissions, if the secretary has notified the supreme court of the state of Kansas and each district court which has jurisdiction over all or part of the catchment area served by a state psychiatric hospital, that the census of a particular treatment program of that state psychiatric hospital has reached capacity and that no more patients may be admitted. Following notification that a state psychiatric hospital program has reached its capacity and no more patients may be admitted, any district court which has jurisdiction over all or part of the catchment area served by that state psychiatric hospital, and any participating mental health center which serves all or part of that same catchment area, may request that patients needing that treatment program be placed on a waiting list maintained by that state psychiatric hospital.
(c) In each such case, as a vacancy at that state psychiatric hospital occurs, the district court and participating mental health center shall be notified, in the order of their previous requests for placing a patient on the waiting list, that a patient may be admitted to the state psychiatric hospital. As soon as the state psychiatric hospital is able to admit patients on a regular basis to a treatment program for which notice has been previously given under this section, the superintendent of the state psychiatric hospital shall inform the supreme court and each affected district court that the moratorium on admissions is no longer in effect.
History: L. 1996, ch. 167, § 24; L. 2014, ch. 115, § 210; July 1.
The court may issue orders providing for the transportation of patients as necessary to effectuate the provisions of this act. All orders of ex parte emergency custody, temporary custody, referral or treatment may authorize a relative or other suitable person to transport the individual named in the order to the place of detention or treatment specified in the order. All orders for transportation shall be served by the person transporting the individual named in the order upon the person in charge of the place of detention or treatment or such person's designee and due return of execution thereof shall be made to the court. A female being transported shall be accompanied by a female attendant, unless she is accompanied by an adult relative. An individual shall not be transported in a marked police car or sheriff's car if other means of transportation are available. The least amount of restraint necessary shall be used in transporting the patient.
History: L. 1996, ch. 167, § 26; Apr. 18.
59-2974. Notice of discharge; restoration of certain rights.
The head of the treatment facility shall notify, in writing, the patient, the patient's attorney, the petitioner or the petitioner's attorney, the county or district attorney as appropriate, and the district court which has jurisdiction over the patient of the patient's discharge pursuant to K.S.A. 59-2973, and amendments thereto. When a notice of discharge is received, the court shall file the same which shall terminate the proceedings, unless there has been issued a superseding inpatient or outpatient treatment order not being discharged by the notice. Whenever a person who is involuntarily committed to a state psychiatric hospital is released by order of the court or termination of the case, the court shall review the case upon request of the patient, and may order the issuance of the certificate of restoration pursuant to K.S.A. 2017 Supp. 75-7c26, and amendments thereto. If the court issues such release or termination and certificate, the court shall order the clerk of the district court to report the release or termination of the case and the certificate of restoration to the Kansas bureau of investigation within five days after the order.
History: L. 1996, ch. 167, § 30; L. 2006, ch. 210, § 17; July 1, 2007.
59-2975. Unauthorized absence; procedure.
If any involuntary patient leaves the place of the patient's detention or treatment without the authority of the head of the treatment facility, the head of the treatment facility shall notify the sheriff of the county in which the treatment facility is located of the involuntary patient's unauthorized absence and request that the patient be taken into custody and returned to the treatment facility. If oral notification is given, it shall be confirmed in writing as soon thereafter as reasonably possible.
History: L. 1996, ch. 167, § 31; Apr. 18.
59-2980. Civil and criminal liability.
Any person or law enforcement agency, governing body, community mental health center or personnel acting in good faith and without negligence shall be free from all liability, civil or criminal, that might arise out of acting or declining to act pursuant to this act. Any person who for a corrupt consideration or advantage, or through malice, shall make or join in making or advise the making of any false petition, report or order provided for in this act shall be guilty of a class A misdemeanor.
History: L. 1996, ch. 167, § 36; L. 2017, ch. 77, § 20; July 1.