(1) Each sheriff is encouraged to adopt a policy whereby mental health professionals, to the extent practicable, provide:
On-scene response services to support deputy sheriffs' handling of persons with mental health disorders; and
Counseling services to deputy sheriffs.
In implementing a policy as described in subsection (1) of this section, a sheriff shallnot require a mental health professional to counsel both a person with a mental health disorder and a deputy sheriff if, in the judgment of the mental health professional, doing so would constitute a conflict of interest or a breach of a professional code of ethics.
For the purposes of this section, each sheriff's office is encouraged to apply annuallyfor a grant from the peace officers mental health support grant program created in section 24-323501.
As used in this section, "mental health professional" means a mental health professional licensed to practice medicine pursuant to article 240 of title 12 or a person licensed as a mental health professional pursuant to article 245 of title 12.
This section is repealed, effective September 1, 2027.
Source: L. 2017: Entire section added, (HB 17-1215), ch. 150, p. 506, § 1, effective August 9. L. 2019: (4) amended, (HB 19-1172), ch. 136, p. 1718, § 211, effective October 1.