San Diego County Department of Mental Health opposes the implementation of AB 1421 aka Laura’s Law because it is unfair to the mentally disabled. This is a complex issue because it allows mentally ill patients to be forced into treatment and potentially hospitalized without a fair hearing. Patient’s rights need to be balanced against public safety, and some do not believe that it is possible to implement Laura’s law in a way that is fair both to patients and to the public.
References
- Forced entry: Is a controversial state law a missing piece in treating mental illness? By Kelly Davis, Jan 19, 2011
- Treat the Mentally Ill By Rich Lowry, January 11, 2011
- Laura’s Law ten years later: Progress slow, effects dramatic By Liz Kellar, January 10, 2011
ThomChat 