Advocating for Removal of Mental Health Inquiries of Bar Applicants

Understanding the struggle over H.R. 3717, (the Murphy Bill, aka the "Helping Families in Mental Health Crisis Act")**

Jennifer Mathis, J.D.[, David Lord, J.D. , & Bethany Lilly, J.D.

[ This workshop will discuss the][Helping Families in Mental Health Crisis Act, H.R. 3717[.  This legislation, currently pending in Congress, is also known as the “Murphy bill,” after its lead sponsor, Tim Murphy (R-PA).  The bill has generated widespread concern among individuals with psychiatric disabilities due to  provisions that would expand psychiatric hospital beds, reduce privacy rights, virtually eliminate the PAIMI (Protection and Advocacy for Individuals with Mental Illness) program, require states to have involuntary outpatient commitment laws in effect as a condition of receiving federal mental health block grants, restructure SAMHSA to have greater focus on psychiatry, and eliminate SAMHSA funding for peer support programs.  We will discuss key provisions of the bill and avenues for advocacy AROUND [to prevent the passage of] concerning provisions. 

[ H.R. 3717 - Helping Families in Mental Health Crisis Act H.R. 3717-factsheet

Link to brief presenter bios:

Jennifer Mathis, J.D.

David Lord, J.D.