Sec. 17. (a) This section applies if an individual licensed under this chapter performs an evaluation to determine a mental health diagnosis of a patient and determines that the patient either:

(1) has not seen:

(A) a physician licensed under IC 25-22.5;

(B) an advanced practice registered nurse licensed under IC 25-23; or

(C) a physician assistant licensed under IC 25-27.5;

within the previous twelve (12) months; or

(2) may have a physical condition that requires medical attention.

     (b) The individual performing the evaluation shall do the following:

(1) Advise the patient to schedule, and offer to assist the patient with the scheduling of, a physical examination at the earliest opportunity with:

(A) a physician licensed under IC 25-22.5;

(B) an advanced practice registered nurse licensed under IC 25-23; or

(C) a physician assistant licensed under IC 25-27.5.

(2) Provide the patient with a list of practitioners specified in subdivision (1) that the patient may contact to schedule a physical examination, including the:

(A) name;

(B) address; and

(C) telephone number;

of the practitioners.

(3) Coordinate patient care as appropriate with the practitioner who is providing physical medical care to the patient, unless the patient has declined to consent to the coordination of care.

     (c) An individual performing the evaluation shall document all actions taken under subsection (b) in the patient’s medical record.

As added by P.L.138-2021, SEC.6.