The 'Compassionate Interventions Act' will empower clinicians to involuntarily commit individuals endangering themselves or others due to substance use disorder. It aims to align New York with 37 other states that permit such commitments. The law mandates court-ordered treatment for individuals refusing voluntary help and includes significant legal reforms from previous acts. Mayor Eric Adams emphasized the need for support for those in crisis, while the Legal Aid Society raised concerns about civil rights violations and the traumatic impact of forced treatment.
"Our administration refuses to turn our backs on New Yorkers in need, and with today's announcement, we're laying out a vision that will help get everyone the support they need. In the name of public safety, public health, and the public interest, we must rally to help those in crisis because 'anything goes' is worse than nothing at all."
"Forcing New Yorkers struggling with addiction into involuntary detention is traumatic, raises serious civil rights concerns, and does nothing to address the root causes of substance use."
"The proposed law will also incorporate several important legal reforms from last year's Supportive Interventions Act that Albany has yet to take action on, such as recognizing a risk of psychiatric deterioration as a type of danger to oneself that may require a mental health commitment."
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