2019 Wyoming Statutes
Title 25 - Institutions of the State
Chapter 10 - Hospitalization of Mentally Ill Persons
Article 1 - General Provisions
Section 25-10-110.1 - Directed Outpatient Commitment Proceedings.

25-10-110.1. Directed outpatient commitment proceedings.

(a) If the court finds based upon the recommendation of an examiner or on its own determination that the proposed patient is mentally ill but does not require inpatient hospitalization, the court shall consider issuing a directed outpatient commitment order. The court shall require directed outpatient commitment for the proposed patient for a period of time as determined appropriate by the court, not to exceed two (2) years with review by the court at least every six (6) months. The court may designate an outpatient care provider that will provide care to the proposed patient.

(b) In considering whether directed outpatient commitment is appropriate, the court may consider one (1) or more of the following:

(i) The proposed patient is diagnosed as having a mental illness;

(ii) Without directed outpatient treatment, the proposed patient is likely to be dangerous to himself or others based upon noncompliance with prior medical directives;

(iii) The proposed patient is likely to suffer substantial medical or mental deterioration or become seriously disabled;

(iv) The proposed patient lacks present ability to make an informed decision concerning his need for treatment; or

(v) Any other information concerning the proposed patient's need for outpatient care.

(c) The terms and conditions of the treatment plan shall be established by an examiner in consultation with any gatekeeper designated by the department and approved by the court. In preparing the plan, the examiner shall consult with the county attorney, treating health care providers and the patient or the person responsible for the care and custody of the patient, if known.

(d) The treatment plan may require:

(i) Periodic reporting;

(ii) Continuation of medication and submission to testing;

(iii) Restrictions on travel;

(iv) Restrictions on consumption of alcoholic beverages and drugs with requirements for any necessary testing;

(v) Use of community based group homes, crisis assistance centers or other available community based support services;

(vi) Temporary inpatient or residential treatment for stabilization;

(vii) Other conditions as agreed upon by the respective parties or as otherwise directed by the court.

(e) Treatment shall be provided by a treatment center or a court approved treatment provider.

(f) The treatment center or treatment provider or any other person identified in the treatment plan shall report to the county attorney and any gatekeeper designated by the department any material noncompliance by the patient with the treatment plan.

(g) By motion of an interested party or on its own motion, the court may revoke or modify the directed outpatient commitment if, after a hearing, the court finds by a preponderance of evidence that the patient violated any condition of the directed outpatient commitment order. If there has been a violation of the order, the court may modify the conditions of directed outpatient commitment, schedule an involuntary commitment hearing pursuant to W.S. 25-10-110, order any disposition for which private resources are available or order any disposition which is consistent with the best interests of the proposed patient and public safety.

(h) If a motion has been filed to modify or revoke the directed outpatient commitment, the court may enter an ex parte order for immediate detention of the patient if the court finds that the patient is a danger to himself or others. If the court enters an ex parte order of detention, the matter shall be set for hearing within seventy-two (72) hours. Notice of a hearing on a motion to modify or revoke the order for directed outpatient commitment shall be as provided in W.S. 25-10-110(d).

(j) The county attorney of the county where the directed outpatient commitment order is filed shall appear on behalf of the state at any hearing pursuant to this section.