Bill would allow experts to hold overdose patients against their will
(Harrisburg) — Someone who has overdosed on drugs could be held against their will, under a proposal in front of a state House committee.
Republican Representative Matt Baker has said his legislation would allow experts to assess someone and get them into treatment.
But the Pennsylvania College of Emergency Physicians is strongly opposed to the bill, saying there’s no evidence involuntary commitment would work, and people need to be willing to go into treatment for it to be successful.
The bill would add to current law, which already gives experts the power to hold someone if he or she is severely mentally disabled and present a clear and present danger to themselves or others.
The House Health committee is set to vote on the legislation Wednesday morning.
A collection of interviews, photos, and music videos, featuring local musicians who have stopped by the WITF performance studio to share a little discussion and sound. Produced by WITF’s Joe Ulrich.
