What are Mental Health Advance Directives?
Mental health advance directives are legal documents that enable individuals to dictate their psychiatric care decisions before a crisis ensues. Emerging in the 1990s, these directives are now recognized in over half of the U.S. states, including Washington, and are akin to the documents used for end-of-life decisions. These directives give the power back to the individuals, allowing them to determine their course of care.
The Current State of Affairs in Washington
In Washington state, the right to mental health advance directives is not widely known, nor does the law guarantee treatment or help with long wait lists for therapy appointments or securing a bed in a full hospital. Additionally, the law does not compel healthcare providers to use unethical treatments. Moreover, the lack of funding and technological support further limits the effectiveness of these directives. The case of Chad, a man who tragically took his own life after failing to maintain stability on medication due to ineffective care, underscores the urgent need to address these issues.
Addressing the Challenges
Despite the challenges, state lawmakers are working towards a legal remedy. A bipartisan measure is currently under consideration that could enhance awareness and plug the gaps left by the original law. This legislation aims to establish a workgroup that will study how to safely store and share individuals’ directives with those who need access, and develop methods to train families, peers, and healthcare providers on how to utilize these forms.
Looking Forward: The Potential Benefits
The potential benefits of having a mental health advance directive in place are significant. One of the most critical advantages is ensuring that an individual’s preferences for treatment are respected during a mental health crisis. As the new law in Washington state that allows individuals to create advance directives for mental health treatment is implemented, it outlines the process for creating the directive and the legal requirements for its validity.
The Need for Greater Awareness
Despite the availability of such a critical tool, there remains a severe lack of awareness about this right. Many states, including Washington, have struggled to put their psychiatric advance directive laws into practice due to various logistical and technical challenges. Hence, it is vital to build awareness about the existence of these forms and educate individuals, families, and healthcare providers about their use.
Conclusion
Mental health advance directives hold the potential to revolutionize psychiatric care by empowering individuals to make informed decisions about their treatment. While there are challenges to overcome, the ongoing efforts by lawmakers signal a step in the right direction. As awareness grows and the system adapts to accommodate these directives effectively, they could provide a lifeline for those battling mental illnesses, helping them access appropriate and ethical care when they need it most.