State Legislation on Involuntary Psychiatric Interventions and Rights Restrictions, 2011–2022

What is it about?

Across the United States, policymakers are turning to involuntary mental health interventions to address crises like opioid addiction, gun violence, homelessness, and suicide. However, to date the extent, nature, and trends of legislating on this topic has not been quantified. We show an increase in legislative activity across the period of 2011 to 2022. Most bills seek to increase involuntary interventions and focus on short-term care, although bills to decrease such interventions grew as a proportion of legislation over time.

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