San Francisco city and state leaders announced new legislation on Monday to address the mental health crisis, with Mayor Daniel Lurie and Assemblymember Catherine Stefani proposing court-ordered assisted outpatient treatment with involuntary medication provisions. The bill was announced at a press conference outside San Francisco City Hall.
Under current law, courts can order someone to participate in assisted outpatient treatment (AOT), but cannot authorize medications that might be essential to stabilizing severe mental health illnesses. This restriction prevents treatment teams from taking action during times of possible serious risk or harm. The proposed legislation would allow counties with court approval to include involuntary medication as part of AOT when necessary.
Assemblymember Catherine Stefani will author the bill, with Mayor Lurie serving as sponsor. Board of Supervisors President Rafael Mandelman will introduce a supporting resolution to the board. The legislation represents a significant change in how the state and city handle assisted outpatient treatment in cases of severe mental illness.
This article is an AI-assisted summary. All facts and figures are drawn from the original report: https://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/local/san-francisco-lurie-mental-health-treatment/4012506/