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Laura’s Law: Assisted Outpatient Treatment Demonstration Project Act of 2002

Source: Department of Health Care Services Community Services Division

Resource Type: Documents and Publications

Focus Population: Behavioral Health Leaders

Topics: AOT / Laura's Law

Assembly Bill (AB) 1421 (Thomson, Chapter 1017, Statutes of 2002) established the Assisted Outpatient Treatment Demonstration Project Act of 2002 in Welfare and Institutions (W&I) Code Sections 5345 – 5349.5. Also known as Laura’s Law, this law requires the Department of Health Care Services (DHCS) to establish criteria and collect outcome data from counties that choose to implement Assisted Outpatient Treatment (AOT) programs. DHCS is required to produce an annual report on the program’s efficacy, which evaluates the program’s impact for reducing the clients’ risk for homelessness, hospitalizations, and involvement with local law enforcement. This report serves as the May 1, 2019, annual report and provides outcomes for the May 2018–April 2019 reporting period