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04/26/2013

Dr. Munetz testified on outpatient committment legislation

Mark Munetz, MD, testified on behalf of the OPPA in support of H.B. 104 in the House Health Committee on Wed., May 1.

House Bill 104 (and its companion bill Senate Bill 43) is a bill to clarify Ohio’s court ordered outpatient treatment law, thus eliminating any question about whether a probate court judge has the authority to order certain individuals with serious and persistent mental illness into outpatient treatment. 

This bill would give judges clear authority to step in before someone with a serious mental illness who is unaware of his or her need for treatment becomes so ill that hospitalization or incarceration are the only options remaining.  Lack of awareness of illness - a neurological syndrome called anosognosia - is believed to be the single largest reason why individuals with schizophrenia and bipolar disorder do not follow through with treatment.

"For certain individuals who are unable to appreciate that they are ill, HB 104 will increase the likelihood that they will be able to successfully live in their communities and move towards a fuller recovery," states Dr. Munetz.

Click HERE to see additional information on the need for this important legislation.

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