Illinois Supreme Court Approves New Uniform Order for Detention, Examination, and Diagnostic Evaluation

The Illinois Supreme Court has approved a new statewide Uniform Order for Detention, Examination, and Diagnostic Evaluation, marking another significant step in the Judicial Branch's ongoing efforts to improve consistency, efficiency, and compliance in civil mental health proceedings.

Developed by the Special Supreme Court Advisory Committee for Justice and Mental Health Planning (JMHP), the new order provides standardized guidance for proceedings involving detention, examination, and diagnostic evaluation under the Illinois Mental Health and Developmental Disabilities Code. The form incorporates statutory requirements related to ex parte proceedings, verbatim records, transportation for examinations, and the execution of court orders by law enforcement.

The approval builds upon the Supreme Court's longstanding commitment to establishing uniform orders to guide civil mental health proceedings. In 2017, the Court approved statewide uniform orders addressing Involuntary Admission, Administration of Authorized Involuntary Treatment (Medication), Administration of Authorized Involuntary Treatment (Electroconvulsive Therapy), and Judicial Admission for Persons with Intellectual Disabilities. These forms have helped promote greater consistency in court practices across Illinois and have been supported by ongoing judicial education efforts through the Illinois Judicial College.

Approved Uniform Mental Health Orders are available on the Illinois Courts Website:

Uniform Mental Health Orders

Importantly, the initiative aligns with the Illinois Judicial Branch 2026 Strategic Plan, particularly Strategic Goal 2: Resolving Disputes Fairly, Delivering Timely Justice, and Managing Courts Effectively. The development of tailored forms for sensitive case types advances the Plan's emphasis on improving court processes, enhancing procedural compliance, and supporting effective case management.

By establishing a uniform approach to these specialized proceedings, the new order will assist courts statewide in meeting statutory requirements while promoting fairness, consistency, and the effective administration of justice for individuals involved in the civil mental health system.