In Re Phyllis P.

At issue is whether a respondent may dismiss his appeal from an order requiring him to submit to involuntary mental health treatment without first filing an affidavit from a medical doctor attesting to his competency. Respondents Phyllis P., Phuong T., and Ande F. moved to dismiss their appeals after their Illinois Guardianship and Advocacy Commission (GAC) attorneys explained the appellate process to them, the likelihood of succeeding on their appeals, and the consequences of dismissing their appeals. The appellate court denied the motions without prejudice, provided that, upon refiling, the…