In Georgia, people can now create a kind of mental health medical ID bracelet

Georgia is now one of 25 states where people can write directives for their future mental health care should they experience a behavioral health crisis.

Psychiatric advance directives were legalized in Georgia in 2022, although not many people have heard about it.

That’s why Ellyn Jaeger and Stephanie Diaz spoke about the legal document earlier this month during a panel discussion at the 2023 National Alliance of Mental Illness conference in Atlanta.

(READ MORE: Georgia House aims for more mental health improvements)

You work at the Georgia Office of Advocacy, but Jaeger has worked for years to create a legal document that specifically mentions mental health and not just warns about physical illnesses like diabetes.

This law is an important development for Georgia residents who have experienced a mental health crisis, have a mental health diagnosis, or have a family member with a mental health diagnosis. House Bill 752 allows Georgia residents to plan and maintain their independence in terms of treatment and care.

“This legislation has been proposed and failed for at least 12 straight years, which is a very, very long time to work on anything,” Jaeger said. “And then there was a short break, and then we came back and tried again. And again it failed.”

(READ MORE: Georgia experts warn of a growing maternal mental health crisis and why it’s important to get help)

She said there is no official rollout and her office’s goal is to raise awareness.

A psychiatric living will allows someone to record their preferences for future psychiatric care now and even designate someone to make treatment decisions in the event the author loses control of behavior.

It’s like a medical alert bracelet specifically designed for mental health.

But the way living wills for physical ailments were created didn’t provide an opportunity to talk about mental health emergencies.

(READ MORE: Republicans in Northwest Georgia continue to disagree over the state’s mental health care system)

“Strictly speaking, if you go into a coma, if that happens, that happens,” Jaeger said. “Mental health is not mentioned at all. So a psychiatric advance directive is just that. It’s about what’s happening to you mentally.”

Jaeger said when she reviewed the legislation to see if she wanted to get involved, she got the opinion of her public defender daughter.

“‘Mom, when I’m defending someone, it’s really important that I hear their words,'” Jaeger quoted her daughter as saying. “She said, ‘The PAD helps me understand her real thinking. Not crisis thinking, but real thinking.’”

Psychiatric advance directives can be shared with local hospitals, healthcare providers, and police departments, reflecting the author’s preference for care in a crisis.

“When you lose control, everyone stops listening,” Jaeger said. “The PAD remains in your control. The PAD says exactly what you want to say and articulates it in a way you would most like to say without having to say it in that moment.”

Georgians can find a flyer on the National Alliance of Mental Illness website with more information, instructions, and a form for making a psychiatric living will.