Mental Health Law Day marked May 13

The ISBA Committee on Mental Health Law will conduct its annual Mental Health Law Day program on Wednesday, May 13. It will take place from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. in Thorne Auditorium at the Northwestern University School of Law.

Titled “Understanding the Essentials of Mental Health Law and Using the Law as a Tool for Recovery,” the program is co-sponsored by the Children and Family Justice Center, the Illinois Guardianship and Advocacy Commission, the Chicago law firm of Monahan & Cohen, the law school and several other organizations.

The program will open with welcoming remarks by ISBA committee vice chair MaryLynn McGuire Clarke, senior director for health policy and regulation of the Illinois Hospital Association, Springfield.

At 9:05 a.m., attorney Fred Friedman will speak on One Man’s Journey to Recovery.

At 9:25 a.m., a presentation on Understanding the Relationship Between the Law and the Mental Health Delivery System includes the role of the state’s attorney in hearings.

Patricia A. Werner, legal service attorney in the North Suburban Regional Office of the Illinois Guardianship and Advocacy Commission, will discuss Post-Admission Myths and Mistakes.

At 10:50 a.m., committee member Mark J. Heyrman of the Mandel Legal Aid Clinic at the University of Chicago Law School will cover Using the Law to Obtain Treatment.

Committee past chair Joseph T. Monahan of Monahan & Cohen will speak on Sorting out the Complexities of Advanced Directives: A Guide for Families, Friends and Healthcare Providers.

At 11:45 a.m., a panel discussion with morning presenters will precede a furnished luncheon.

At 1:15 p.m., Mark B. Epstein of Epstein & Epstein will review Outpatient Court-Ordered Medication and Treatment: A Template Using Least Restrictive Methods.

At 2 p.m., a panel headed by Cook County Presiding Judge Patrick E. McGann of the County Division will deal with the question, Can the Courts Be Used as a Therapeutic Tool? Or a Partner?

Other panelists are Robert John Connor, deputy general counsel for the Illinois Department of Human Services Divisions of Disabilities and Behavioral Health Services, and committee member Bruce A. Jefferson, general counsel of Thresholds.

At 4:15 p.m., the Cook County Mental Health Court will be discussed by Mark Kammerer, director of treatment programs for the Cook County state’s attorney’s office.

From 4:45 p.m. until adjournment, speakers will answer questions.

The deadline for registration at $50 per person is Friday, May 8. Forms may be accessed at www.isba.org by clicking on Member Groups and then Mental Health Law under Committees.