The El Dorado County Board of Supervisors last week unanimously voted to implement an assisted outpatient pilot program, also known as Laura’s Law.

This will help give those who are mentally ill an avenue to get help. It gives county mentally health officials, as well as courts, family members and probation officers the right to mandate mental health treatment in certain circumstances.

A maximum of $500,000 will be spent over three years. The money comes from state Mental Health Services Act Funds, Community Corrections Partnership funding; and Medi-Cal funding if applicable.

It has been a 10-year endeavor by advocates to get El Dorado County to take this action.

Placer County implemented Laura’s Law in 2014.

— Lake Tahoe News staff report