Certification for intensive treatment: review hearing.
If enacted, AB 2015 would modify existing procedures for the certification review hearings that govern involuntary treatment. Under current law, a peace officer or designated professional may detain individuals for a brief assessment period. The proposed amendments would give hearing officers the responsibility to factor in medical conditions during these evaluations. This change reflects an understanding of how physical health can interact with mental health in determining risks and treatment needs, potentially leading to more informed decisions about a person's well-being.
Assembly Bill 2015, introduced by Assembly Member Eggman, seeks to amend the Welfare and Institutions Code regarding the certification for intensive treatment of individuals with mental health issues. The bill aims to enhance the criteria and procedures under which a person can be detained for involuntary care if they are deemed a danger to themselves or others due to a mental health disorder or chronic alcoholism. It enables the evidence presented at certification review hearings to encompass the individual's medical condition, thereby providing a more comprehensive view of their health status and potential risks associated with their release.
The sentiment around AB 2015 appears to be supportive, particularly among mental health advocates who appreciate the attention to more nuanced treatment decisions. By allowing medical conditions to influence certification hearings, supporters argue that this could result in more tailored interventions that consider both physical and mental health dimensions. However, there may be contention from those who worry about the implications of broader medicalized justifications for detention, indicating ongoing debates about mental health and autonomy in treatment contexts.
Crucially, AB 2015 takes steps to define a 'medical condition' more rigorously, ensuring that only serious physical ailments that significantly impact the individual’s risk profile are included in the certification discussions. Critics may express concerns about how this could affect individuals' rights and extend treatment durations unnecessarily. The bill also obligates facilities to inform individuals about recommended continuing treatment post-detention, which could prompt further dialogues about the best practices for integrating physical health care in mental health settings.