BILL · 2019–20 SESSION

SB 5842: Electroconvulsant therapy

Concerning the accessibility of electroconvulsant therapy.

Summary

Allows a person to provide informed consent for electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) on behalf of a patient who is not competent with a concurring medical opinion under certain circumstances.
Allows administration of ECT to persons receiving short-term involuntary mental health treatment without the patient's consent when a second concurring medical opinion approves the treatment and failure to provide ECT may result in a likelihood of serious harm, substantial deterioration, or substantially prolong the length of involuntary commitment.
Provides liability protection for administration of ECT in good faith and without gross negligence.

From the Senate Bill Report (Orig.) (SB 5842), written by the Legislature's nonpartisan staff. Read the full report ↗

Did not pass Did not pass · died in committee

AN ACT Relating to the accessibility of electroconvulsant therapy;

No recorded floor votes. This measure never reached a floor vote.

Jan 13, 2020By resolution, reintroduced and retained in present status.
Feb 6, 2019Referred to Behavioral Health Subcommittee to Health & Long Term Care.
Feb 6, 2019First reading, referred to Health & Long Term Care.

Bill numbers restart every two years, so the same number is a different bill in each session.

SB 5842 (2025–26) Campaign memorabilia · Did not pass · died in committee
SB 5842 (2023–24) Child support/SSN use · Enacted · Chapter 126, Laws of 2024
SB 5842 (2021–22) Climate change · Enacted · Chapter 181, Laws of 2022
SB 5842 (2017–18) Toxic horsemeat · Did not pass · died in committee
SB 5842 (2015–16) Utility compliance, planning · Did not pass · stalled on the Senate floor
SB 5842 (2013–14) Redistricting · Did not pass · died in committee
SB 5842 (2011–12) Govt overpayment recovery · Did not pass · died in committee
SB 5842 (2009–10) Colleges & construction · Did not pass · died in committee