Developing an enforceable "right to treatment" theory for the chronically mentally disabled in the community

Historical developments, mental health approaches, and applicable legal authorities are examined in arguing a legal basis for pursuing greater treatment benefits for chronically mentally disabled persons in the community. Mental health lawyers have traditionally been concerned with patients' right to treatment while in the hospital. Lawyers are called on to examine the plight of (and to extend advocacy for) the chronically mentally disabled in the community.