A.R.S. § 36-503.05: Mental health patients; proposed patients; transportation; use of peace officers prohibited; exceptions

(Eff. 1/1/30)

A. Notwithstanding any other law to the contrary, a peace officer may not conduct the transport of a person from a hospital emergency department or a locked unit of a behavioral health facility to another health care institution, an evaluation agency or a mental health treatment agency, unless one of the following applies:

1. The person is incarcerated.

2. A court, a person, an evaluation agency or a mental health treatment agency has reasonable grounds to believe that the patient or proposed patient cannot be safely apprehended without the assistance of a peace officer.

3. Any person requests a peace officer by dialing 911 or a similar designated telephone number for emergency calls and needs emergency assistance.

B. Except as provided in subsection A of this section, an authorized transporter shall conduct any apprehension and transport of a patient or proposed patient.