AB 1676: Mental health services: assisted outpatient treatment: involuntary medication.

This bill aims to expand California's mental health services by allowing the county behavioral health director to file a petition for involuntary psychotropic medication, independent of a petition for assisted outpatient treatment. A court can issue an order for the use of involuntary medication if it finds the person has a serious mental disorder and the medication is necessary to prevent a relapse or deterioration. The person subject to the order is entitled to certain rights, including the right to demand a court or jury trial and the right to refuse treatment. The bill also prohibits criminal or civil liability for individuals authorized to transport individuals with an involuntary medication order. The county behavioral health director must file an affidavit with the court to confirm the person continues to meet the criteria for the order and any medication changes. The bill does n…