Assistive Outpatient TreatmentIn enacting Louisiana's Law for Assistive Outpatient Treatment in 2008 (Act 407 of the 2008 Regular Legislative Session), the Louisiana Legislature was responding to the finding that some people, as a result of the debilitating effects of mental illness, have great difficulty meeting their own needs for treatment, and often reject outpatient treatment offered to them on a voluntary basis. Failure to access the care needed can increase the likelihood of negative outcomes such as suicidal gestures, homelessness, incarceration or, on occasion, becoming involved in acts of violence causing harm to one’s self or others.
Assistive outpatient treatment is intended to help individuals in need of outpatient treatment.
Assistive Outpatient Treatment Laws in Other States
Kendra's Law (New York) - New York State has enacted legislation that provides for court-ordered assisted outpatient treatment (AOT) for certain people with mental illness who, in view of their treatment history and present circumstances, are unlikely to survive safely in the community without supervision.
Laura's Law (California) - The goal for 2008 of the California Treatment Advocacy Coalition (CTAC) is to make assisted outpatient treatment available in all Californian counties to help those who are rendered incapable of accessing obviously needed treatment by the symptoms of a severe mental illness like schizophrenia.
Standards for Assisted Treatment (State by State Summary) - This chart captures the most essential information about the laws for assisted treatment in each state. These are the key elements of the state’s requirements for the placement in treatment of a person who refuses treatment because of the symptoms of mental illness.
Resources
Find an Assistive Outpatient Treatment Coordinator in your region.