MS HB424

Establishes Assisted Outpatient Treatment (AOT) as a court-ordered alternative to inpatient commitment for individuals with serious mental illness or co-occurring disorders who have a history of treatment nonadherence resulting in rehospitalization, criminal justice involvement, or risk of harm

Requires courts to make written findings based on clear and convincing evidence before entering an AOT order, including that the individual is capable of living safely in the community with supervision and is likely to benefit from structured outpatient treatment

Limits initial AOT orders to 180 days with renewals allowed in 180-day increments not exceeding 12 months total, and mandates compliance updates from treating providers every 90 days

Guarantees respondents the right to attorney representation at all AOT proceedings, with court-appointed counsel for those who are indigent, unwilling, or unable to retain an attorney

Requires clinical screening by a mental health professional and documented re-engagement efforts before any noncompliance affidavit can be filed, with return to a state hospital permitted only when civil commitment criteria are met and no less restrictive option is sufficient