Previous Story
Disability office resists bill for mentally ill
|
Posted on Nov 02 2006
The Office of Disability Policy and Programs is opposed to a bill that would allow for mandatory treatment of persons with mental illness.
Thomas J. Camacho, the governor’s special assistant for disability policy and programs, said that at least three of the agency’s partners oppose the intent of House Bill 15-121, or the assisted outpatient treatment bill.
The National Mental Health Association, according to Camacho, does not support outpatient treatment because it has not been shown to be effective in reducing hospitalization or other adverse outcomes.
But NMHA recognizes that mandatory treatment is implemented in certain communities. In the case of these communities, NMHA urges that measures be taken to ensure that individuals’ autonomy is not diminished.
The Bazelon Center for Mental Health Law believes that any kind of involuntary outpatient commitment is an infringement of one’s constitutional rights, Camacho said.
For its part, the Northern Marianas Protection and Advocacy Systems Inc. offers an alternative to involuntary treatment. NMPASI recommends the patients be allowed to sign advance directives while competent. Advance directives identify what kinds of treatment patients should receive should their decision-making capacity be impaired at a later date.
“After careful research and weighing the comments received and compiled from the national level and our local disability network, persons, and family members with disabilities, advocates, and providers, the Office of Disability Policy and Programs is opposed to H.B. 15-121,” Camacho said.
