Next year Kendra’s Law sunsets, again. Should NY make it permanent, let it lapse, or re-up for another 5 years? ACL will likely not take a firm position, because our members run the gamut in their thinking on this, and we represent our members. Although this article is about involuntary treatment, it brings the real issue to the center of the debate – client choice. No firm answer here on involuntary treatment, just the same questions – but questions that are important to ask – hopefully one unique person at a time. I, personally, think that it should continue indefinitely for specific periods of time, not be made permanent. After all, you never know what treatment breakthroughs will make it unnecessary in the future (and when a law is outdated, it is much more difficult to reverse it than it is to let it lapse.) And, of course, more robust services should be in place so that it is used sparingly. Also, families, clients and providers need to work to get more advance directives in place that address treatment options in case of future psychosis.
Psychosis can be rewarding; take it away, and the patient realizes he’s a homeless man with AIDS.