California Proposes Mental Health Reforms Affecting 630,000

February 21, 2000

California Proposes Mental Health Reforms Affecting 630,000

A bill to improve the quality of service to the 630,000 severely mentally ill in California, AB 1080, will mark the first major overhaul of the state’s mental health treatment system in three decades. If passed as written, the bill would extend the period of involuntary hospitalization, if needed, for those determined to be a threat to themselves or others. In addition, the measure streamlines the certification hearing process for involuntary commitment, and allows for shorter hospital stays for patients who will . . .