Originally opposed by the ACLU, the initial language of this legislation legislation would allow Advanced Practice Registered Nurses (APRN) to attest to a patient’s mental health condition and participate in certifying patients for mandated outpatient treatment, an action which is presently something that only doctors can do. Although we understand the role that APRNs play in the mental health community, we argued that when it comes to medical recommendations for involuntary treatment, patients are stripped of critical elements of due process when the decision is in the hands of anyone but those of a physician.
The Senate amended the bill to tighten the circumstances and qualifications of APRNs who would be able to engage in this process, which led the ACLU to take no position on the revised version. This bill was signed into law.
