Federal Judge Rules Mississippi’s Mental Health System Discriminates Against People With Serious Mental Illness

On September 3, 2019, a federal judge ruled that Mississippi’s mental health system discriminates against people with serious mental illness (SMI), despite the state’s efforts to develop its capacity to provide community-based services. The judge ordered the state and the Department of Justice (DOJ) to submit three names of potential special masters and a proposal for the special master’s role by October 4, 2019. The special master will help the state expedite and prioritize community-based care for people with SMI. A hearing will be scheduled later this fall. The judge urged the state and the . . .