The 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 self" specifies that a person's recent behavior may indicate a lack of capacity to meet essential needs, which could lead to serious consequences if treatment is not provided. Similarly, "harm to others" is defined as actions that have resulted in or attempted to result in serious bodily harm to another person, with a likelihood of recurrence in the near future. These definitions replace the previous terms related to the likelihood of serious harm to oneself or others, which have been deleted from the law.

The bill aims to clarify the criteria for involuntary treatment and enhance the understanding of mental health conditions within the legal framework. By establishing these definitions, the legislation seeks to ensure that individuals who pose a risk to themselves or others can receive appropriate care and intervention, thereby improving public safety and mental health outcomes. The amendments reflect a shift towards a more nuanced understanding of mental health crises and the need for timely and effective treatment interventions.

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