New Behavioral Health Board looks at Laura’s Law

SAN DIEGO (KUSI) – The County of San Diego is one step closer to putting Laura’s Law in place.

The Law will compel people with severe mental illness to get treatment.

Desperate parents have said the law will keep their ill children from hurting themselves or others. Those that suffer from mental illness fear that Laura’s Law could criminalize their disease.

Local parents have been pleading with San Diego’s County Board of Supervisors to implement the law. It will allow counties to seek court ordered outpatient treatment for those with severe mental illness.

In 2001, Laura Wilcox was shot and killed by a man who refused psychiatric treatment. Experts have said the law will take the conflict away from the parent or caregiver who wants the mentally ill person to take medication or receive treatment.

A newly formed team will develop a plan to implement Laura’s Law. However, it must be reviewed with the new Behavioral Health Board before it will come back to the County Board of Supervisors in 90 days.

Both John Sturn and Dr. Harris are on the new Behavioral Health Board.