James Norton: “The District of Columbia Mental Health Civil Commitment Modernization Act would significantly help modernize the way…”

“The District of Columbia Mental Health Civil Commitment Modernization Act would significantly help modernize the way mental health services in the District of Columbia are delivered. Under the Home Rule Charter, these changes require affirmative action by the Congress. The amendments are intended to reinvigorate the rights of people with mental illness in the District of Columbia and encourage community-based treatment alternatives to costly and restrictive hospital confinement. The amendments are designed to ensure that people with mental illness are treated in the least restrictive setting, consistent with the individual's needs and public safety. The amendments also are designed to promote the use of private or community hospitals by people who are in need of acute psychiatric care, thus reducing the burden on Saint Elizabeth's Hospital. Mr. Speaker, H.R. 4302 would adopt verbatim the changes to the Commission on Mental Health proposed in the District's law. In passing this bill, the Congress will play an important role in aiding the District to reform its mental health services and to treat its mental health patients with dignity and respect.”