Gov. Mary Fallin on Tuesday signed the Labor Commissioner Mark Costello Act, a new law that clarifies language regarding when a judge can court order an Oklahoman to outpatient mental health treatment.

Under the new law, Oklahomans diagnosed with mental illnesses who have repeatedly been unable to follow their treatment plans could be court ordered to take their medicine, among other treatment options. It's a process known as assisted outpatient treatment.

"The step Oklahoma made today with the efforts of Rep. Lee Denney and Sen. AJ Griffin and signed and supported by Gov. Fallin to expand our opportunity in Oklahoma for assisted outpatient treatment will make a significant difference for Oklahomans who are struggling with mental illnesses and addiction and as of yet are currently unwilling to engage in the treatment as well as (benefiting) their families," said Commissioner Terri White, of the Oklahoma Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services.

House Bill 1697 was named after Oklahoma's former labor commissioner who died after his son, suffering from untreated schizophrenia, stabbed him in a Braum's parking lot. Mark Costello had spoken out about a need for better mental health care in Oklahoma.