San Mateo County is seeking input and collaboration from its residents for the implementation of California Senate Bill 43, which makes significant changes to the Lanterman-Petris-Short Act, which governs detention, treatment and guardianship involuntary injuries of people with behavioral health problems.
Hosted by County Health Behavioral Health and Recovery Services, the listening sessions seek input from key stakeholders to develop the best approach to implementing the law, and identify representative partners to come together to form a steering committee.
Although SB 43 will not be implemented until January 1, 2026, the listening sessions are the beginning of this collaboration.
The first listening session will be held on Thursday, May 9 from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. at the Central County Adult Outpatient Clinic, Room A51 ? Multipurpose Room, located at 1950 Alameda de las Pulgas, San Mateo.
The second listening session will be on Tuesday, May 21 from 2 to 4 p.m. at the South County Adult Outpatient Clinic, Room 100 ?Multipurpose Room? at 802 Brewster Ave. in Redwood City.
In the first change to California guardianship laws in more than 50 years, SB 43 expands the definition of those eligible for guardianship to include individuals who are unable to care for their medical or personal safety needs due to a serious illness. substance use or serious mental health problems. People who meet new criteria may be subjected to involuntary holds of 72 hours or more and may also be placed under guardianship for several years.
“Currently, each county has flexibility regarding how this law should be implemented. Because implementation is challenging, San Mateo County has decided to begin the process as soon as possible and engage stakeholders in a collaborative process to determine how this law would best be applied in San Mateo County,” Scott said. Gruendl, deputy director of Behavioral Health and Recovery Services at County Health.
In that sense, Gruendl invited residents to join in and give their input at the beginning of that process.
Other ways to contribute include completing and submitting a entry form, submit text comments or recorded testimony to 650-586-2162, or submit written comments in an in-person session or by email to BHRS Assistant Director Scott Gruendl at sgruendl@smcgov.org.
You may also send written comments to SB 43 Input, 2000 Alameda de las Pulgas, Suite 235, San Mateo, CA 94403.
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