DelawareAdvance directive form limits agents' voluntary mental health admissions
People who use the optional form may let an agent approve a voluntary mental health admission for up to 72 hours, if they mark that choice.
What it does
A person may let an agent approve a voluntary mental health admission for up to 72 hours. The person must mark this optional power on the form; otherwise, the agent cannot approve the admission.
Argument forA clear 72-hour cap could help people understand how long an agent may approve a voluntary mental health admission.
Argument againstAn agent may be unable to approve a longer voluntary stay, even if the person needs more time in mental health care.
More detail
The optional form lets a person authorize an agent to approve a voluntary mental health admission for up to 72 hours. This applies when a person uses the optional form to give an agent power over voluntary admission to a mental health facility. The person must mark or initial this optional power on the form. If the person leaves it blank, the agent may not approve this type of admission.
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Where it stands
- Introduced
- Passed Senate
- Passed House
- To Governor
- Became Law
Looking ahead
No hearings or votes scheduled.
History
- 2026
- Aug 31Signed by Governor Matt MeyerBecame Law
- Jun 30Passed By House. Votes: 41 YESPassed House
- Vote recorded Passage. Result: pass.Lower
- Jun 17Reported Out of Committee (Health & Human Development) in House with 11 On Its MeritsMinor
- Jun 11Assigned to Health & Human Development Committee in HouseMinor
- Vote recorded Passage. Result: pass.Upper
- Jun 11Passed By Senate. Votes: 20 YES 1 ABSENTPassed Senate
- Jun 10Reported Out of Committee (Health & Social Services) in Senate with 1 Favorable, 5 On Its MeritsMinor
- May 28Introduced and Assigned to Health & Social Services Committee in SenateIntroduced
HealthcareMental Health