Changes to county mental health boards approved

Senators passed a bill Feb. 16 designed to broaden the pool of professionals eligible to serve on county mental health boards.

LB111, sponsored by Grand Island Sen. Mike Gloor, removes a requirement that one member be a psychiatric social worker and adds a position for a licensed independent mental health practitioner.

County mental health boards are charged with assessing the mental health status of individuals placed in emergency protective custody through an affidavit from a mental health professional or by law enforcement.

LB111 passed on a 49-0 vote.