Redwood City – San Mateo County is soliciting input and collaboration for implementation of California Senate Bill 43, which makes significant changes to the Lanterman-Petris-Short Act – a law governing involuntary detention, treatment and conservatorship of people with behavioral health conditions.
Hosted by County Health’s Behavioral Health and Recovery Services, the listening sessions seek input from key stakeholders to develop the best approach for implementing the law and to identify representative partners to join in forming a steering committee.
Though SB 43 will not be implemented until Jan. 1, 2026, the listening sessions are the beginning of this collaboration.
First Listening Session
Thursday, May 9, 2024
9 to 11 a.m.
Central County Adult Outpatient Clinic, Room A51 – Multi-Purpose Room, 1950 Alameda de las Pulgas, San Mateo
Second Listening Session
Tuesday, May 21, 2024
2 to 4 p.m.
South County Adult Outpatient Clinic, Room 100 – Multi-Purpose Room, 802 Brewster Ave., Redwood City
In the first change to California’s conservatorship laws in more than 50 years, SB 43 expands the definition of those eligible for conservatorship to include individuals who are unable to take care of personal safety or medical needs due to severe substance use disorder or serious mental health issues. Individuals meeting new criteria can be placed on involuntary holds of 72-hours or longer and can also potentially be placed on conservatorship for multiple years.
"Each county at present 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 be best applied in San Mateo County,” said Scott Gruendl, assistant director of County Health’s Behavioral Health and Recovery Services. “We are inviting you to join us in providing your input at the beginning of that process.”
Other ways to provide input include:
- Fill out and submit this input form.
- Text comments or recorded testimony to 650-586-2162.
- Submit written comments at either in-person session or email to BHRS Assistant Director Scott Gruendl at sgruendl@smcgov.org.
- Mail written comments to SB 43 Input, 2000 Alameda de las Pulgas, Suite 235, San Mateo, CA 94403.
More information is available here.
Audrey Davis
Communication Specialist
Behavioral Health and Recovery Services
adavis2@smcgov.org
650-586-2162