Lawmaker says changes needed to assisted outpatient treatment
State Rep. Tom Leonard today introduced legislation to strengthen public safety by allowing friends and family members to obtain mental health care for those in extreme need.
Rep. Leonard, R-DeWitt, introduced the legislation, which simplifies the process to access the mental health system through the assisted outpatient treatment (AOT) process without impairing any of the due process protections provided to those in need of care.
The legislation addresses reforms to Kevin’s Law, a package of bills signed into law in 2005 that connects community services to adults with severe mental illness who have difficulty complying with voluntary treatment. A 2014 survey showed that the law is underutilized in Michigan because of its complexity. Rep. Leonard’s bill makes the process simpler for family members and friends to obtain needed mental health care for those in need.
“This bill fills in the gaps that were not addressed in 2005 to give greater clarity so families who seek assisted outpatient treatment for a loved one can do so in a reasonable period of time, before the person in need of care or anyone else may be harmed,” Rep. Leonard said. “At the same time, we are protecting the rights of the individual by providing free, court-appointed counsel and court hearing options if the individual believes AOT is not required. We want to protect the public and the individual with mental health challenges.”
Lt. Gov. Brian Calley, who has made mental health reform a priority, said he believes the legislation will be key to providing long-term treatment options that are currently difficult to obtain.
“Reforming Kevin’s Law ensures Michiganders will have full access to longer-term mental health care treatment options needed to help gain stability and lead successful lives,” Calley said. “This bill addresses barriers that often keep people from utilizing these important treatment options and I hope these reforms move through the Legislature quickly.”
The legislation clarifies current law by:
· Offering early intervention, as current law requires a serious incident to occur before AOT can be requested;
· Simplifying the process of seeking court-approved treatment; and
· Allowing a judge in any case to order AOT before a serious incident has taken place, causing injury to the prospective patient or a member of the public.
“Many people with severe, untreated mental illness do not recognize the need for treatment,” Rep. Leonard said. “This bill allows loved ones who identify the condition to intervene before someone is seriously injured.”