What is mental health law?

Mental health law is the body of law that pertains to mental health and mental health care in the state of California. It establishes the rights of individuals suffering from mental illness, as well as the duties of health care professionals in providing mental health care. Mental health law also sets forth the criteria for when a person who is suffering from mental illness should receive involuntary treatment. The various components of mental health law in California include the Lanterman-Petris-Short Act, which establishes the rights of individuals with mental illness to refuse certain treatments; the Mental Health Services Act, which allocates resources for mental health care and other services; and the California Mental Health Parity Law, which requires health insurance plans to provide benefits for mental health care that are comparable to those for other types of medical care. Other components of mental health law in California include the Baker Act, which allows for temporary involuntary commitment of individuals when they are deemed to be a danger to themselves or others; the Welfare and Institutions Code, which sets forth laws for commitment procedures, evaluation and treatment of mentally ill individuals; and the California End of Life Option Act, which allows certain individuals to request and receive medications to end their lives in a humane and dignified manner. These laws are designed to protect, respect, and empower individuals suffering from mental illness, while also ensuring that they receive the best possible care and treatment.

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What is mental health law?

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