Committee Endorses Involuntary Hospitalization Legislation

LARAMIE, Wyo. (AP) — State lawmakers are moving ahead with legislation to change the rules for involuntary hospitalizations and holds of psychiatric patients.

The Joint Judiciary Interim Committee endorsed the legislation Friday. One bill before the committee would allow schizophrenic patients to receive care even if they don't pose an immediate danger to themselves or others.

The Associated Press reports the bill would require an impartial, third party to decide whether a person should be detained or hospitalized. The idea is to prevent any conflict of interest when somebody stands to benefit financially from an involuntary hold or hospitalization.

The bill also would increase the time a patient could be held without a hearing from 72 to 96 hours.