Massachusetts weighs letting judges order mental health care

By STEVE LeBLANC
Associated Press

BOSTON (AP) — Massachusetts lawmakers are considering a bill that would give judges the authority to order adults with a severe mental illness into mandatory outpatient care, after being released from a health care facility. Massachusetts, along with Connecticut and Maryland, are the only states that don’t give courts that authority. The court would be allowed to order a personalized treatment plan, including a monthly assessment to see if the person should remain in treatment. Supporters say for the severely mentally ill, mandatory outpatient care can help break a revolving door cycle of hospitalizations. Opponents say forcing anyone into mental health care against their will strips them of their sense of control.