Texas HB1656 allows paramedics to detain individuals with mental illness for emergency examination at a mental health facility.

Texas HB1656 amends the Health and Safety Code to allow paramedics to detain individuals for emergency examination at a mental health facility. This applies if the paramedic believes the individual has a mental illness posing a substantial risk of serious harm to themselves or others. The paramedic must file a notification of detention detailing their observations and reasons for the detention. The detained individual must be informed of the reason for their detention and their rights. The changes apply to emergency detentions beginning after the act's effective date of September 1, 2025.

Texas HB1656 allows paramedics to detain individuals with mental illness for emergency examination at a mental health facility.

Texas HB1656 amends the Health and Safety Code to allow paramedics to detain individuals for emergency examination at a mental health facility. This applies if the paramedic believes the individual has a mental illness posing a substantial risk of serious harm to themselves or others. The paramedic must file a notification of detention detailing their observations and reasons for the detention. The detained individual must be informed of the reason for their detention and their rights. The changes apply to emergency detentions beginning after the act's effective date of September 1, 2025.