An Iowa bill may soon benefit those individuals who are with mental illness as it has made through the state legislature. Supporters believe the bill, Senate File 2259, will change the way mental health professionals treat a serious mental illness patient who doesn’t comply with ordered outpatient treatment by the court.

They said the bill would offer choices to patients and mental health professionals. As per current state rules, an individual with mental illness who doesn’t comply with their court-ordered treatment may be involuntarily recommitted to inpatient treatment.

UnityPoint Health-St. Luke’s Behavioral Health Services director Kent Jackson thinks the current rule may be costly and problematic. It could cause a number of problems to a patient and health professionals, Jackson said. Adding to that, it also forces sheriff’s departments to take the patient to the closest open psychiatric bed, which may be situated at a great distance. Adding to that, it costs the hospitals money, Jackson continued.

Jackson collaborated with Sen. Liz Mathis, D-Cedar Rapids for the legislation. The new code will allow a patient to be treated with apt medical techniques.

“I’m optimistic this will get the same support in the House as it did the Senate. If they get the mental health treatment they need ... and stay on their meds, they’re not a danger to themselves or society”, said Rep. Ken Rizer.

The amended code will allow mental illness patient to choose an appropriate medication for himself. These medications may include injectable antipsychotic medicine, by an expert from an outpatient psychiatric clinic or hospital.

It is always good to give someone an option rather than just giving commitment, said Maj. John Godar at the Linn County Sheriff’s Office.