Policies and procedures for interacting with persons suffering from behavioral health issues; use of behavioral health specialists.

NRS 289.680 Policies and procedures for interacting with persons suffering from behavioral health issues; use of behavioral health specialists. 1. Each law enforcement agency in this State shall: (a) Establish a policy and procedure for interacting with persons who suffer from a behavioral health issue, including, without limitation, a mental illness as defined in NRS 176A.045, an acute mental health crisis, a developmental disability or an intellectual disability as those terms are defined in NRS 435.007 or a substance use disorder; and (b) Subject to the availability of funds appropriated for such a purpose, contract with or employ a behavioral health specialist. 2. As used in this section, “behavioral health specialist” means a physician who is certified by the Board of Medical Examiners, a psychologist, a physician assistant or an advanced practice registered nurse who is certified to practice as a behavioral health specialist, or a person who is licensed as a clinical social worker, clinical professional counselor or marriage and family therapist. (Added to NRS by 2019, 4462) MISCELLANEOUS PROVISIONS