competency

H.E.A. 1238, P.L. 85 Effective: July 1, 2024 Requires the division of mental health and addiction to establish a training program to certify a competency evaluator to assist a court in determining competency. Provides that certain licensed individuals may examine a defendant and testify as to whether the defendant can understand the criminal proceedings and assist in the … [Read more...] about Competency evaluation

The Senate Corrections and Criminal Law Committee heard HB 1238 concerning competency evaluations sponsored by Sen. Brown. The author, Rep. McNamara, explained that the bill: The bill was amended by consent to require that DMHA establish a training program to certify an advanced practice registered nurse with a certification as a psychiatric mental health nurse … [Read more...] about Competency evaluation

The House Ways and Means Committee heard HB 1238 on competency to stand trial authored by Rep. McNamara.  The bill: The bill was amended by consent to specify that the Division of Mental Health and Addiction may consult with a forensic psychologist (rather than a “psychologist”) in establishing a training program for a competency evaluator. The amendment also provides tha … [Read more...] about Competency evaluation

The Senate Judiciary Committee heard SB 405 authored by Sen. Walker on funding for defendant examinations. The bill requires the Office of Judicial Administration to establish and administer a program to provide a regional pool of mental health examiners who are available for appointment upon request by a court to conduct a competency examination of a defendant and mental health e … [Read more...] about Funding for defendant examinations