Prohibits the use of the term "excited delirium" as a diagnosis, label, or cause of death on death certificates, autopsy reports, police reports or any report, policy or procedure by a public agency or contractor; defines excited delirium.
If passed, S01714 would fundamentally change how certain cases involving deaths in custody or during police interactions are documented and reported in New York. The legislation would prohibit public agencies and contractors from acknowledging 'excited delirium' in any reports or training, suggesting that such a label may contribute to erroneous or unjust treatment of individuals experiencing severe mental health crises. This could have wide-reaching implications on law enforcement training practices, impacting how officers respond to situations where individuals exhibit extreme behavioral symptoms traditionally associated with excited delirium.
Bill S01714, known as the 'Excited Delirium Prohibition Act', seeks to prohibit the use of the term 'excited delirium' in a variety of contexts, specifically as a diagnosis on death certificates, autopsy reports, and police reports. The bill defines 'excited delirium' as a state of agitation, paranoia, and extreme aggression that lacks recognition in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, which has led to controversy over its validity as a medical condition. By not recognizing it as a legitimate diagnosis, the bill aims to eliminate confusion in medical and legal documents tied to deaths associated with law enforcement encounters and use of force incidents.
The bill has sparked debates within various health and law enforcement communities. Proponents argue that eliminating the term 'excited delirium' will help prevent the misuse of this label as a justification for use of force by police officers, while opponents raise concerns about the potential oversimplification of mental health issues. Critics argue that failing to provide appropriate terminology could hinder the understanding and response to complex health behaviors exhibited during crises. The bill thus stands at the intersection of public health, mental health, and law enforcement, indicating a deeper need for a consensus on terminology and the implications it carries.