Ohio bill would let courts order help for people with mental illness

Last week the Ohio House of Representatives overwhelmingly approved House Bill 104, which would empower probate court judges statewide to order outpatient treatment for people struggling with mental illness (Source: “Bill lets courts order outpatient care for mentally ill,” Columbus Dispatch, Dec. 12).

Judges say they have few treatment options now other than committing a person to a stay in a state mental hospital.

Approved 87-6 by the House, the bill now goes to the Ohio Senate.

Court-ordered outpatient treatment is a major step for Ohio — and a controversial one to some people. Supporters of the law argue that the legislation, if it becomes law, will save lives by giving judges greater ability to provide help for those who need it. Opponents counter that it would strip mentally ill people of their civil liberties by allowing family members to force them to get treatment whether or not they want it or think they need it.