59-2957. Petition for determination of mental illness; request for ex parte emergency custody order; content.

837 words·~4 min read·/ks/chapter-59/59-2957

A research copy — for the controlling text, always check the official state or federal source. Not legal advice.

(a)A verified petition to determine whether or not a person is a mentally ill person subject to involuntary commitment for care and treatment under this act may be filed in the district court of the county wherein that person resides or wherein such person may be found.

(b)The petition shall state:

(1)The petitioner's belief that the named person is a mentally ill person subject to involuntary commitment and the facts upon which this belief is based;

(2)to the extent known, the name, age, present whereabouts and permanent address of the person named as possibly a mentally ill person subject to involuntary commitment; and if not known, any information the petitioner might have about this person and where the person resides;

(3)to the extent known, the name and address of the person's spouse or nearest relative or relatives, or legal guardian, or if not known, any information the petitioner might have about a spouse, relative or relatives or legal guardian and where they might be found;

(4)to the extent known, the name and address of the person's legal counsel, or if not known, any information the petitioner might have about this person's legal counsel;

(5)to the extent known, whether or not this person is able to pay for medical services, or if not known, any information the petitioner might have about the person's financial circumstances or indigency;

(6)to the extent known, the name and address of any person who has custody of the person, and any known pending criminal charge or charges or of any arrest warrant or warrants outstanding or, if there are none, that fact or if not known, any information the petitioner might have about any current criminal justice system involvement with the person;

(7)the name or names and address or addresses of any witness or witnesses the petitioner believes has knowledge of facts relevant to the issue being brought before the court; and

(8)if the petitioner wishes to recommend to the court that the proposed patient should be sent to a treatment facility other than a state psychiatric hospital, then the name and address of the treatment facility to which the petitioner recommends that the proposed patient be sent for treatment if the proposed patient is found to be a mentally ill person subject to involuntary commitment for care and treatment under this act.

(c)The petition shall be accompanied by:

(1)A signed certificate from a physician, psychologist, or qualified mental health professional designated by the head of a participating mental health center, stating that such professional has personally examined the person and any available records and has found that the person, in such professional's opinion, is likely to be a mentally ill person subject to involuntary commitment for care and treatment under this act, unless the court allows the petition to be accompanied by a verified statement by the petitioner that the petitioner had attempted to have the person seen by a physician, psychologist or such qualified mental health professional, but that the person failed to cooperate to such an extent that the examination was impossible to conduct;

(2)if admission to a treatment facility other than a state psychiatric hospital is sought, if it is then available, a statement of consent to the admission of the proposed patient to the treatment facility named by the petitioner pursuant to subsection (b)(8) signed by the head of that treatment facility or other documentation which shows the willingness of the treatment facility to admitting the proposed patient for care and treatment; and

(3)if applicable, a copy of any notice given pursuant to K.S.A. 59-2951 and amendments thereto in which the named person has sought discharge from a treatment facility into which they had previously entered voluntarily, or a statement from the treating physician or psychologist that the person was admitted as a voluntary patient but now lacks capacity to make an informed decision concerning treatment and is refusing reasonable treatment efforts, and including a description of the treatment efforts being refused.

(d)The petition may include a request that an ex parte emergency custody order be issued pursuant to K.S.A. 59-2958 and amendments thereto. If such request is made the petition shall also include:

(1)A brief statement explaining why the person should be immediately detained or continue to be detained;

(2)the place where the petitioner requests that the person be detained or continue to be detained;

(3)if applicable, because detention is requested in a treatment facility other than a state psychiatric hospital, a statement that the facility is willing to accept and detain such person; and

(4)if applicable, because admission to a state psychiatric hospital is sought, the necessary statement from a qualified mental health professional authorizing admission and emergency care and treatment.

(e)The petition may include a request that a temporary custody order be issued pursuant to K.S.A. 59-2959 and amendments thereto.