This bill amends the Mental Health and Developmental Disabilities Code and the Assisted Outpatient Treatment Act to introduce new definitions for "harm to self" and "harm to others." The new definition of "harm to others" specifies that it refers to instances where a person has recently inflicted or attempted to inflict serious bodily harm on another individual or has created a substantial risk of such harm, with a likelihood of repeating this conduct in the near future. Similarly, "harm to self" is defined as a situation where an individual's recent behavior indicates an inability to meet their basic needs, which could lead to serious physical or mental debilitation or death if treatment is not provided.

Additionally, the bill removes previous definitions of "likelihood of serious harm to oneself" and "likelihood of serious harm to others," replacing them with the newly defined terms. These changes aim to clarify the criteria for assessing risks associated with individuals in mental health contexts, thereby enhancing the commitment procedures and treatment protocols under the relevant laws.

Statutes affected:
introduced version: 43-1-3, 43-1B-2
JU substitute: 43-1-3, 43-1B-2