Senate Concurrent Resolution No. 60-Committee on
Commerce and Labor
June 29, 1997
____________
Referred to Committee on Legislative Affairs and Operations
SUMMARY--Requires Legislative Commission to conduct interim study of feasibility of adopting program of outpatient civil commitment for persons who are mentally ill. (BDR R-1592)
EXPLANATION - Matter in italics is new; matter in brackets [ ] is material to be omitted.
SENATE CONCURRENT RESOLUTION--Requiring the Legislative Commission to conduct an interim study of the feasibility of adopting a program of outpatient civil commitment for persons who are mentally ill.
Whereas, Certain persons in the State of Nevada suffer from mental disorders that render them dangerous to themselves and the public; and
Whereas, The existing laws in the State of Nevada do not currently address participation in programs of outpatient civil commitment for persons whose mental illness renders them dangerous or unable to care for themselves; and
Whereas, There is a clear need for the involuntary treatment of certain mentally ill persons who are unable to make informed decisions regarding treatment and who show evidence of a significant probability of continued mental or emotional deterioration unless treatment is provided; and
Whereas, If feasible, a program of outpatient civil commitment for mentally ill persons in this state could address this need; and
Whereas, Other states have instituted various programs of civil commitment that may serve as models for a program in this state; and
Whereas, The establishment of a program of outpatient civil commitment further requires the development of a training program for all judges and magistrates performing duties related to civil commitment process; and
Whereas, The establishment of a program of outpatient civil commitment requires the development of legal parameters to ensure the protection of the rights of mentally ill persons to avoid negative effects on those persons through inappropriate interference with or interruption of the established treatment plans of those persons; now, therefore, be it
Resolved by the Senate of the State of Nevada, the Assembly Concurring, That the Legislative Commission is hereby directed to appoint an interim committee, composed of members of the Assembly and members of the Senate, to conduct an interim study concerning the feasibility of adopting a program of outpatient civil commitment for mentally ill residents of this state with the objective of helping mentally ill residents to lead more productive lives; and be it further
Resolved, That the study include, without limitation, an examination, review and evaluation of:
1. The types and rates of success of the various programs of outpatient civil commitment for mentally ill residents in other states;
2. The feasibility of adopting a program of outpatient civil commitment for mentally ill residents in this state;
3. The development of programs of training for judges, magistrates and other professionals involved in the administration of such a program; and
4. The expected benefits of such a program to the public and to the mentally ill residents who are committed to the program; and be it further
Resolved, That any recommended legislation proposed by the committee must be approved by a majority of the members of the Assembly appointed to the committee and a majority of the members of the Senate appointed to the committee; and be it further
Resolved, That the Legislative Commission submit a report of the results of the study and any recommended legislation to the 70th session of the Nevada Legislature.