Patton Introduces Legislation to Provide Treatment for the Mentally Ill
Representative Patton (R-Strongsville) introduced legislation that would require mentally ill people to take their medications or receive treatment. The bill, House Bill 299, is similar to a law in New York that provides for assisted outpatient treatment for certain people with mental illness who in view of their treatment history and circumstances are unlikely to survive safely in the community without supervision.
Patton introduced House Bill 299 in response to the tragic death of Cleveland Heights Police Officer Jason West who heroically lost his life in the line of duty at the hands of a mentally ill person with a history of refusing medical treatment. In honor of his actions, House Bill 299 will also be known as "Jason's Law."
"I believe that this legislation will benefit mentally ill individuals as well as make society safer for everyone," Patton said. "Jason's Law will make it easier for mentally ill patients to receive treatment, which will in turn help save lives."
House Bill 299 establishes a procedure for obtaining court orders for certain individuals with mental illness to receive and accept outpatient treatment. Under this procedure, a hearing is conducted in which all the evidence, including testimony from the physician, and, if desired, from the person alleged to need treatment, is presented to the court. If the court determines the individual meets the criteria for assisted outpatient treatment, an order is issued for the patient to receive treatment. If the patient refuses, a judge may order law enforcement to transport the individual to a hospital or treatment center.
"As the father of a son on the Cleveland Heights Police Force, my heart goes out to the West Family, as I know that these brave young men who serve, risk their lives everyday," Patton said. "I truly hope this legislation is enacted quickly because we cannot afford to continue to let tragedies like this happen."