Bill > H1801

This bill establishes a comprehensive framework for providing critical community mental health services to individuals with severe mental illness who are deemed "gravely disabled." The legislation defines key terms such as "critical community mental health services" as health and social services that can be provided in a community setting without continuous hospitalization, and "gravely disabled" as a condition where a person with severe mental illness is at substantial risk of harming themselves or others and cannot provide for their basic needs. The bill allows various parties, including physicians, mental health professionals, relatives, and legal guardians, to petition a district court for a critical community mental health service treatment plan for individuals who meet specific criteria, such as having a primary severe mental illness diagnosis, being at least 18 years old, and having a history of treatment non-adherence or violent behavior. The treatment plan must be the least restrictive alternative and can last up to 180 days initially, with subsequent orders not exceeding 365 days. The plan includes provisions for court hearings, supervision by mental health professionals, periodic reviews, potential plan amendments, and mechanisms for addressing non-adherence, with the ultimate goal of helping individuals with severe mental illness live safely in the community while receiving necessary support and treatment.

Justice

https://malegislature.gov/Bills/194/H1801