HB 25-1172

House Bill 25-1172, which has been signed into law, allows a state-owned psychiatric residential treatment facility for youth to install a secure fence around its premises. The bill also clarifies that placing a young person in this type of facility does not count as detention or restraint. This means the facility can operate with enhanced security measures while ensuring that the care provided is considered therapeutic rather than punitive. The State Board of Health will now need to create rules for admitting patients to align with existing regulations. This law affects youth who are placed in psychiatric treatment facilities and aims to provide a safer environment for both patients and staff.

Official Summary

The act permits a state-owned psychiatric residential treatment facility to use a secure perimeter fence around the facility. The act clarifies that placement of a juvenile in a state-owned psychiatric residential treatment facility is not considered detention and placement in a state-owned psychiatric residential treatment facility is not considered restraint. The state board of health is required to adopt rules for admission to the facility in compliance with other applicable regulations. (Note: This summary applies to this bill as enacted.)

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