Rep. Justin Humphrey, R-Lane, won unanimous passage in the House of a bill that will allow law enforcement to use telemedicine to have a person needing mental health services assessed and that changes the method by which such a person is transported.

Senate Bill 3 is authored by Humphrey and Sen. David Bullard, R-Durant.

“Not many good things have come out of this pandemic, but the increased use of telemedicine is one that has greatly benefitted Oklahomans. Senate Bill 3 is going to get people the help they truly need and treat them like a patient rather than a prisoner,” Bullard said. 

SB 3 authorizes sheriffs and peace officers to utilize telemedicine to have a person assessed by a mental health professional when the officer reasonably believes such treatment is warranted.

The measure changes requirements for officers in transporting individuals in need of mental health treatment or who are subject to an emergency detention or protective custody order.