CA AB2830

Establishes the Community Assistance, Recovery, and Empowerment (CARE) Act, authorizing civil courts to order adults with schizophrenia spectrum or psychotic disorders who lack medical decisionmaking capacity to participate in court-ordered CARE plans with behavioral health services, stabilization medications, and housing support.

Creates a petition and court process requiring petitions be signed under penalty of perjury, with initial hearings within 14 days, clinical evaluations, and one-year CARE plans that can be extended up to one additional year, with regular status conferences and a graduation plan upon completion.

Requires appointment of legal counsel and a trained "supporter" (different from counsel) to assist respondents in maintaining autonomy and decisionmaking authority throughout CARE proceedings, with the California Department of Aging administering the CARE Supporter program.

Authorizes courts to refer misdemeanor defendants found mentally incompetent to stand trial to the CARE program, and allows courts to fine counties up to $1,000 per day for noncompliance with court orders or appoint a receiver at county cost if persistent noncompliance is found.

Requires health care service plans to cover CARE program evaluations and all court-ordered health care services without cost-sharing, and permits courts to refer individuals from assisted outpatient treatment and conservatorship proceedings to CARE.