When another assisted outpatient treatment (AOT) bill, Laura's Law, was passed in California in 2002, it didn't include a provision that would require every county to enact it, only those that chose to do so. Advocates in that state are now working to see this legislation in place so that those with severe mental illness and lack of insight will receive the timely treatment they deserve.
One of the advocates made this observation in a post called, Laura's Law--what is it and should we enact it?:
"It seems that it is a very reasonable bill. People who are deteriorating can engage in violent acts towards themselves and/or others because their ability to reason is seriously damaged. Without medication, I don't see how they can stabilize and come back to reality. It seems harsh to force them to take medications, but the alternative could be a disaster. It takes a lot to meet all the criteria for involuntary treatment, and I think the people that meet it should not be walking around without a good deal of assistance. "
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