Sec. 1. 22 MRSA §1718 is enacted to read:

§1718.__Search patients

An emergency room physician or a registered nurse or designee may conduct a search of a patient to determine whether the patient possesses any article or substance that may be used to harm the patient or others in the following circumstances:

1.__Threat to inflict injury. The patient has made a threat to inflict injury upon the patient or others; or

2.__Under influence of drugs or alcohol.__The attending physician or nurse has reason to believe that the patient is under the influence of drugs or alcohol.

SUMMARY

This bill authorizes certain emergency room personnel to search a patient who may pose a threat to the patient or others.