Governor Signs Measure to Improve Mental Health Treatment Options
Striking a balance between the rights of the mentally ill and the need to protect the public, Governor Jon S. Corzine signed legislation this week revising the State’s civil commitment laws to allow the state to involuntarily commit individuals to an outpatient treatment facility.
The goal of the bill is to give families a means to get help for a relative who has stopped taking necessary medications or is otherwise in need of help, but does not qualify for involuntary inpatient commitment.
Under existing law, families cannot seek a court order committing someone unless there is evidence the person is an eminent danger to himself or others. The new law provides an intermediate step that could potentially prevent a tragedy. It gives a judge the authority to force someone with mental illness to go to an outpatient facility.
“Mental health issues continue to be the most challenging and at times, the most perplexing for medical professionals and for families who must often make difficult decisions regarding an affected loved one,” Governor Corzine said. “We are enacting legislation that will give these families options that will help protect the rights and safety of those that need help, and will ultimately prevent undue suffering.”
Studies have shown that involuntary outpatient commitment has been highly successful in helping patients comply with their medication needs, reducing their hospital stays and helping patients along on the path to recovery and productivity. Currently, more than 40 states have laws for assisted outpatient treatment.
The goal of the bill is to give families a means to get help for a relative who has stopped taking necessary medications or is otherwise in need of help, but does not qualify for involuntary inpatient commitment.
Under existing law, families cannot seek a court order committing someone unless there is evidence the person is an eminent danger to himself or others. The new law provides an intermediate step that could potentially prevent a tragedy. It gives a judge the authority to force someone with mental illness to go to an outpatient facility.
“Mental health issues continue to be the most challenging and at times, the most perplexing for medical professionals and for families who must often make difficult decisions regarding an affected loved one,” Governor Corzine said. “We are enacting legislation that will give these families options that will help protect the rights and safety of those that need help, and will ultimately prevent undue suffering.”
Studies have shown that involuntary outpatient commitment has been highly successful in helping patients comply with their medication needs, reducing their hospital stays and helping patients along on the path to recovery and productivity. Currently, more than 40 states have laws for assisted outpatient treatment.
Related Links
- Read the Press Release
