Presidential executive order calls for expansion of involuntary commitments to reduce homelessness

President Trump wants to expand involuntary commitments for people with serious mental illnesses as part of a bid to end homelessness across the U.S., according to a new executive order (Source: “Trump seeks to make it easier for people with mental illnesses to be involuntarily committed,” Stat News, July 24).
 
The order, signed Thursday, calls for expanding involuntary commitments by reversing judicial policies that restrict the use of the controversial approach and by providing grants, legal advice and other assistance to local and state governments. The order also directs several agencies, including the Department of Health and Human Services, to audit grant recipients to ensure no money flows to organizations that promote policies that clash with the administration’s stated values. 
 
While some studies have found that involuntary commitments are already increasing, the practice would grow dramatically if the changes laid out in the order come to pass. The effort is the latest push by the administration to move unhoused people off the street and into private psychiatric hospitals and facilities. Critics say the campaign is aimed at moving unhoused people outside of the public eye. 
 
Many public health professionals believe that involuntary commitment should be used as a last resort, if it is used at all. They suggested that involuntary treatment lacks sufficient evidence for its expansion and would only dissuade individuals from seeking care.