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An attempt to keep medical patients from hurting themselves and others has new life. Until today legislation to give nurse practitioners the right to conduct involuntary mental health exams looked dead. As Whitney Ray tells us, a group of dedicated nurses brought the bill back to life.

An emergency news conference in the second half of session, standard operating procedure when a bill is in trouble.

Wednesday, nurse practitioners called reporters to the state capitol. A bill to give them more authority to stop potential suicides and homicides passed the house… but seemed dead in the Senate.

“In the Senate we need your advocacy,” said Representative Hazel Rogers.

This issue concerns the Baker Act. The law allows doctors, mental health experts and police to committee people deemed to be dangerous.

Stan Whittaker is nurse practitioner and works at a country clinic where doctors aren’t always available. One day Stan tried to help a man bent on suicide. He called the police.

“When the law enforcement arrived the person was asked the questions. The same questions I asked, but he told a different story,” said Whittaker.

The police couldn’t commit the man.

“And less than two hours later that person was found dead,” said Whittaker.

As nurses shared their stories… news from the Senate arrived.

“We just heard that Senator Sobel has put this bill on the agenda for one o’clock,” said Rep. Michelle Rehwinkel Vasilinda.

The crowd cheered. They’re plan worked. The Senate hears the bill Monday.