(May 31, 2013) Celebrating 15 years of making mental illness treatment possible is even more gratifying when we see states improve their treatment laws.
In Texas, a bill initiated by the Treatment Advocacy Center to improve the state’s assisted outpatient treatment (AOT) law has passed both houses and now awaits Gov. Rick Perry’s signature. The bill was introduced at our request by Sen. Bob Deuell (R-Greeneville) and was widely embraced by Texas mental health stakeholder groups. Most importantly, the bill removes confusing language from the current AOT law and clarifies that AOT means court-ordered treatment.
In Washington, a bill has been signed into law that moves up the implementation date for changing Washington’s procedures for a mental health evaluation. Under current law, designated mental health professionals (DMHP) may base their evaluations solely on their own observations. Under the changes, DMHPs will be required to factor in witness testimony as well, and a process will be established for family members and others to formally submit their testimony to the DHMPs.
But there is more work to do. There’s no state law that couldn’t be further improved, and every state can make better use of their current laws. Some states have yet to recognize that waiting for people to become dangerous before treating their mental illness is waiting too long.
You can help implement assisted outpatient treatment in your state. You’ll also find tools and tips for advocacy on our What You Can Do page. Sign up to receive news, updates and information about advocacy opportunities from the Treatment Advocacy Center.