Vetoed by Governor Greg Gianforte

Vote Smart's Synopsis:

Vote to pass a bill that requires the state of Montana to transfer patients out of MSH if their primary diagnosis is Alzheimer's, dementia, or traumatic brain injury.

Highlights:

• Specifies that for the purposes of commitment to a mental facility proof must be offered that an individual has a diagnosis for Alzheimer's, dementia, or a traumatic brain injury by a medical professional knowledgeable in the area(Sec. 1).

• Requires that an individual be discharged from custody and any petition dismissed if the individual is suffering from a mental disorder but the main diagnosable issue is Alzheimer's dementia, or a traumatic brain injury and only meets certain criteria outlined previously (Sec. 2). 

• Establishes that it is the intent of the Montana state legislature to prevent involuntary commitment of those suffering from Alzheimer's disease, other forms of dementia, or traumatic brain injury when they meet only some but not all of the criteria (Sec. 3). 

• Specifies that it is the legislature's intent to develop services for individuals suffering from the above conditions (Sec. 3). 

• Specifies that admission to nursing homes will be given top priority for individuals who are geriatric, suffering from the above conditions, and have trouble proving for their own basic needs and interests (Sec. 4). 

• Requires that the Department of Health and Human Services provide the transition review committee with info necessary to carry out the committee’s duties (Sec. 4). 

• Requires the implementation of a plan to prepare for the end of involuntary commitment of many individuals with a primary diagnosis of Alzheimer's disease, other forms of dementia, or traumatic brain injury (Sec. 4).

Full Bill Text