STATE SUPREME COURT TO APPOINT COMMISSION ON
MENTAL HYGIENE REFORM

        CHARLESTON, W.Va. - - Chief Justice Larry V. Starcher of the Supreme Court of Appeals announced today that the Court will appoint a Commission on Mental Hygiene Reform. The Commission will review and assess current mental hygiene laws, policies, practices, and procedures, and propose specific recommendations for change. The Commission is to present a final report to the Supreme Court on December 10, 1999.

        The formation of a commission on mental hygiene was one of the recommendations proposed by the Commission on the Future of the West Virginia Judiciary in its December 1, 1998, report to the Supreme Court. The Futures Commission received public comment on West Virginia's mental hygiene system. The Commission found that there have been significant changes in the understanding and treatment of mental illnesses, disorders, and conditions, since West Virginia's mental hygiene laws were enacted over 30 years ago.

        "There is widespread support of the Mental Hygiene Commission's task among patients, families, advocates, medical and social service professionals, law enforcement, and the court system," Chief Justice Starcher said.

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