The county has opted out of new state legislation that would force some people with mental illnesses to be treated on an outpatient basis.

Known as assisted outpatient treatment, the amendment to the state Mental Health Procedures Act allows judges to rule that seriously mentally ill individuals must get treatment on an outpatient basis.

The act is meant to provide an additional means for committing those with mental illness to treatment. Currently, judges can only involuntarily commit people if they are a clear and present danger to themselves or others, and only to an inpatient program.

Joyce Ainsworth, the county's human services director, told the commissioners at a Wednesday meeting that she recommends the county opt out of the amendment.

This is an excerpt — find out why Ainsworth recommends opting out of the amendment in Sunday's Butler Eagle or subscribe online.