(a) If at the final hearing on a petition seeking to involuntarily commit a respondent, the judge of probate finds, based on clear and convincing evidence, that the respondent meets the criteria for involuntary commitment, an order shall be entered for either of the following:
(1) Outpatient treatment.
(2) Inpatient treatment.
(b) The least restrictive alternative necessary and available for the treatment of the respondent’s mental illness or mental illness with a secondary diagnosis of co-occurring substance use disorder shall be ordered.
(c) The petition for involuntary commitment shall be dismissed if the criteria for commitment is not proved.
(d)(1) The judge of probate shall immediately report an order for involuntary commitment to the Alabama State Law Enforcement Agency, in a manner prescribed by the Alabama Justice Information Commission, for entry into the state firearms prohibited person database and the National Instant Criminal Background Check (NICS) system.
(2) The judge of probate shall report to the Alabama State Law Enforcement Agency, in a method determined by the commission, updates to any order for involuntary commitment that was previously forwarded to the Alabama State Law Enforcement Agency under this section, including notice of any reversal of petition or appeal.
History: (Acts 1991, No. 91-440, p. 783, §11; Act 2021-246, §5; Act 2023-472, §1; Act 2024-193, §1.)