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The Forum

February 19, 2003

This story is reprinted with permission of The Forum of Fargo-Moorhead.

Senate OKs mental health bill

By Janell Cole

BISMARCK - The Senate has passed a bill that changes the criteria for involuntary mental health commitment.

Senate Bill 2296 was approved unanimously Tuesday and now goes to the House.

The bill is supported by families of people with mental illness who say the bill could save lives. Some told the Senate Judiciary Committee that, under the current law, they often can't get help for their loved ones because they can't predict or prove to authorities the person will act dangerously. They say suicides and homicides have resulted because the person isn't committed for treatment.

Under the language of the bill, the law would now say that if it can be shown that the person is out of control of their thoughts or actions, or can't make rational decisions about their own care, they may be involuntarily committed.