Sec. 573.003. TRANSPORTATION FOR EMERGENCY DETENTION BY GUARDIAN. (a) A guardian of the person of a ward who is 18 years of age or older, without the assistance of a peace officer, may transport the ward to an inpatient mental health facility for a preliminary examination in accordance with Section 573.021 if the guardian has reason to believe and does believe that:

(1) the ward is a person with mental illness; and

(2) because of that mental illness there is a substantial risk of serious harm to the ward or to others unless the ward is immediately restrained.

(b) A substantial risk of serious harm to the ward or others under Subsection (a)(2) may be demonstrated by:

(1) the ward's behavior; or

(2) evidence of severe emotional distress and deterioration in the ward's mental condition to the extent that the ward cannot remain at liberty.

Added by Acts 2003, 78th Leg., ch. 692, Sec. 6, eff. Sept. 1, 2003.

Amended by:

Acts 2015, 84th Leg., R.S., Ch. 1 (S.B. 219), Sec. 3.1367, eff. April 2, 2015.