New York A00994 amends the mental hygiene law to impose a duty on mental health practitioners to protect against serious, imminent threats.

New York A00994 amends the mental hygiene law by adding a new section that imposes a duty to protect upon mental health practitioners. When a patient directly communicates a threat of serious, imminent harm to themselves or others, the practitioner must make reasonable efforts to reduce or eliminate the risk of harm. These efforts may include modifying treatment, initiating hospitalization procedures, notifying the intended victim, or alerting law enforcement. The practitioner is not required to take any action that would endanger themselves or increase the danger to potential victims.

New York A00994 amends the mental hygiene law to impose a duty on mental health practitioners to protect against serious, imminent threats.

New York A00994 amends the mental hygiene law by adding a new section that imposes a duty to protect upon mental health practitioners. When a patient directly communicates a threat of serious, imminent harm to themselves or others, the practitioner must make reasonable efforts to reduce or eliminate the risk of harm. These efforts may include modifying treatment, initiating hospitalization procedures, notifying the intended victim, or alerting law enforcement. The practitioner is not required to take any action that would endanger themselves or increase the danger to potential victims.