Murphy is seeking sponsors for this legislation and Democrats are lining up to sign on. Essentially, the bill expands coverage for mental health problems, which among other features, allows family members and physicians greater control over adults with mental health issues.
The IL perspective is that people with this disability should be included in any decision-making process. Of course, we need to also recognize that people with significant mental health issues may be unable to speak on their own behalf.
This problem brings to the forefront our need for consumer control of these programs. I don’t know about you, but I would like someone who really understands mental health issues to decide how to define “danger to self and others” and not some guy steeped in the medical model. Each state has a Mental Health Planning and Advisory Council. Maybe that is where we should start.