Bill > SB716

This bill amends the Mental Health Procedures Act to update language and definitions related to mental health treatment. The bill replaces outdated terminology like "mentally ill" with "persons with mental illness" throughout the text, and expands the definition of assisted outpatient treatment to include more comprehensive services. Importantly, it clarifies that conditions like intellectual disabilities, age-related cognitive decline, and substance use disorders can be considered for mental health treatment if they are accompanied by a mental illness diagnosis. The bill adds a new definition for "substance use disorder" as a treatable mental illness that impacts a person's brain and behavior, and expands the types of treatment services that can be court-ordered for severely mentally disabled individuals. These services now explicitly include substance use disorder treatments, peer support services, housing assistance, and other interventions aimed at helping individuals function in the community and prevent potential harm to themselves or others. The changes reflect a more modern, holistic approach to mental health treatment, emphasizing voluntary treatment, least restrictive interventions, and comprehensive support services. The bill will take effect 60 days after its passage.

Health and Social Services

https://www.legis.state.pa.us/cfdocs/billinfo/bill_history.cfm?syear=2025&sind=0&body=S&type=B&bn=716