Appointment of person or persons to examine defendant; hearing; finding.
1. Except as otherwise provided in this subsection, the court shall appoint two psychiatrists, two psychologists, or one psychiatrist and one psychologist, to examine the defendant. If the defendant is accused of a misdemeanor, the court of jurisdiction shall appoint a psychiatric social worker, or other person who is especially qualified by the Division of Mental Health and Developmental Services of the Department of Human Resources, to examine the defendant.
2. Except as otherwise provided in this subsection, at a hearing in open court, the court that orders the examination must receive the report of the examination. If a justice’s court orders the examination of a defendant who is charged with a gross misdemeanor or felony, the district court must receive the report of the examination.
3. The court that receives the report of the examination shall permit counsel for both sides to examine the person or persons appointed to examine the defendant. The prosecuting attorney and the defendant may:
(a) Introduce other evidence including, without limitation, evidence related to treatment to competency and the possibility of ordering the involuntary administration of medication; and
(b) Cross-examine one another’s witnesses.
4. The court that receives the report of the examination shall then make and enter its finding of competence or incompetence.
5. The court shall not appoint a person to provide a report or an evaluation pursuant to this section, unless the person is certified by the Division of Mental Health and Developmental Services pursuant to NRS 178.417.
Last modified: February 25, 2006