Art. 46B.086. COURT-ORDERED MEDICATIONS. (a) This article applies only to a defendant: (1) who is determined under this chapter to be incompetent to stand trial; (2) for whom a continuity of care plan has been prepared by a facility that requires the defendant to take psychoactive medications; and (3) who, after a hearing held under Section 574.106, Health and Safety Code, has been found not to meet the criteria prescribed by Sections 574.106(a) and (a-1), Health and Safety Code, for court-ordered administration of psychoactive medications. (b) If a defendant described by Subsection (a) refuses to take psychoactive medications as required by the defendant's continuity of care plan, the director of the correctional facility shall notify the court in which the criminal proceedings are pending of that fact not later than the end of the next business day following the refusal. The court shall promptly notify the attorney representing the state and the attorney representing the defendant of the defendant's refusal. The attorney representing the state may file a written motion to compel medication. The motion to compel medication must be filed not later than the 15th day after the date a judge issues an order stating that the defendant does not meet the criteria for court-ordered administration of psychoactive medications under Section 574.106, Health and Safety Code. The court, after notice and after a hearing held not later than the fifth day after the defendant is returned to the committing court, may authorize the director of a correctional facility to have the medication administered to the defendant, by reasonable force if necessary. (c) The court may issue an order under this article only if the order is supported by the testimony of two physicians, one of whom is the physician at the correctional facility who is prescribing the medication as a component of the defendant's continuity of care plan and another who is not otherwise involved in proceedings against the defendant. The court may require either or both physicians to examine the defendant and report on the examination to the court. (d) The court may issue an order under this article if the court finds by clear and convincing evidence that: (1) the prescribed medication is medically appropriate, is in the best medical interest of the defendant, and does not present side effects that cause harm to the defendant that is greater than the medical benefit to the defendant; (2) the state has a clear and compelling interest in the defendant obtaining and maintaining competency to stand trial; (3) no other less invasive means of obtaining and maintaining the defendant's competency exists; and (4) the prescribed medication will not unduly prejudice the defendant's rights or use of defensive theories at trial. (e) A statement made by a defendant to a physician during an examination under Subsection (c) may not be admitted against the defendant in any criminal proceeding, other than at: (1) a hearing on the defendant's incompetency; or (2) any proceeding at which the defendant first introduces into evidence the contents of the statement. Added by Acts 2003, 78th Leg., ch. 35, Sec. 1, eff. Jan. 1, 2004. Subsecs. (a), (b) and (d) amended by Acts 2005, 79th Leg., ch. 717, Sec. 8, eff. June 17, 2005.

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Last modified: August 10, 2007