No because every case is different, yes you have the few manic depressives and schizophrenics that ok tend to flip and hurt others, but that is only a small percentage, there are many psychiatric illnesses and if kept under supervision can be managed properly, but it is down to individual rights and choice to except treatment. This can only be legally enforced if evaluated and are at risk, therefore they are then placed under a Section of the Mental Health act for further evaluation and further treament, then a patient legally has to except treatment. So unless they are at risk from themselves or to others then no :)

Legally required? No. That's too much. That would violate the privacy of people. But for their own sake, I think they should seek treatment on their own. But it should not be forced on them.

The only time it's right to take away a person's rights is if they've committed a crime or if they are a present danger to themselves or others. Mental illness is not a crime, and therefore it's wrong force treatment on people with mental illnesses. Being schizophrenic doesn't mean you have to give up your right to decide what happens in your life. Mnay US states now have Psychiatric Advance Directives. This is much like a living will or Advance Health Care Directive. A person with a mental illness can put into writing what treatments, doctors, treatment facilities and medications are to be used if they are evaulated professionally as being unable to make those decisions - for instance, if they are in a psychiatric crisis. This document guarantees that the individual's wishes will be carried out and his rights respected, even if he is temporarily incapable of making rational decisions. These documents MUST be followed by the treatment providers. If I had a mental illness I would have a copy of this with me at all times, and on file with my preferred treatment providers and family members. Most people with mental illnesses are not permanently incapacitated. They have periods of capacity and periods of incapacity. During periods of incapacity the Psychiatric Advance Directive protects their rights.

7-21-2017 As far as lawmakers know, "mental illness" is anybody who votes against them.