A physical ailment shows itself through X-rays, CAT scans, blood tests, malignant lumps or pain flashing from a certain body part. There is general consensus of the diagnosis and treatment, and there are objective standards on when a patient is cured.

A mental ailment is much more elusive. Concepts of what is mental health vary from decade to decade, from culture to culture. Genius and insanity are often intertwined. Whole new diagnoses like “full spectrum autism” and “attention deficit hyperactivity disorder” did not exist 40 years ago.

The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual, published by the American Psychological Association, lists 297 different mental disorders-triple the number 60 years ago. Their definitions are general enough that all of us could have one or more such disorder. According to the manual, grieving is considered normal for 60 days; on day 61 it becomes depression, a mental illness. Such broad definitions make it difficult to focus on those so severely debilitated that they become a danger to themselves and others.

The Legislature has the power to mandate coverage by health insurers, but it will come at a cost of increased premiums and making health care less affordable.

That’s why I could not support AB 154 which requires private health insurance companies to provide the same coverage for mental disorders as they do for physical ailments. It passed the Assembly on a 49-22 vote.

Not only would private insurance companies increase premiums, but public schools would struggle to cope with the dramatic increase in special education students. Normal variations in student achievement are now learning disabilities. While earlier generations shunned such labels, parents now seek out a diagnosis that will assure extra attention, time and funding for their youngsters.

Some learning disabilities, such as Down syndrome, are based on demonstrable physical conditions, but most are behaviorally based. It is difficult for an 8-year-old boy to sit still in class, but is that a mental illness? The same kids who are told to “just say no to drugs” are routinely doled Ritalin.

Go to ten oncologists and all ten will diagnose the same cancer. Ten different optometrists or ten different radiologists will spot the same vision problem or broken bone. Ten different psychiatrists, however, may very well provide ten different mental diagnoses and ten different pharmacological or therapeutic treatments.

What kinds of internal crises and anguish can be addressed with therapy or medication? What kinds are simply part of the human condition? When do eccentricities become abnormalities? The answers are elusive, as is the goal of complete happiness or normalcy.

Can elected officials be denied information obtained at public expense on public property? Can unelected attorneys and administrators keep such information hidden from those who appointed them?

That’s what’s happening to Fullerton City Councilman Bruce Whitaker. His request to view the city’s video of the fatal beating of Kelly Thomas has been denied by the City Manager and City Attorney. That video was made by a city-owned camera at the city-owned Fullerton Transportation Center. Three of Bruce’s colleagues have chosen not to watch the tape, but have never voted to deny it to him.

Bruce doesn’t seek to release the tape to the public, or even have his own copy. He just wants to see it, to be in better position to understand what happened on that fateful July night. So I drafted a bill clarifying an elected official’s right to the same information as those they hire. “Bruce’s Law” would assure those we elect have access to information they need.

My bill was rejected by Legislative Counsel, however, as unnecessary.  I was told that elected officials already have this right. I was told that unelected government employees cannot deny public officials information they need to represent their constituents. I was told that video camera footage taken by a public agency can be viewed by an official elected to govern that agency.

A new bill cannot be introduced which simply duplicates existing laws. But Bruce is still being denied the tape.

Last Question: What California city has the highest current home foreclosure rate?

Answer: Stockton

This Week’s Question: What are the top ten most common last names among California’s registered voters?