Dancing David
Penultimate Amazing
As some of you may know , all states have laws that allow someone to be hospitalized against thier will for observation and evaluation by a psychiatrist. This is a step short of the famous 'commitment' that most people are aware of.
I am involved in this quite frequently and I am careful about who I hospitalise and when, but I am concerned that civil liberties can be abrogated so easily.
In Illinois all it takes is :
a. a petition for involuntary commitment and a certificate from a 'qualified examiner'
The petition can be filed by any one, but is genraly done by mental health workers and police officers. The certificate can be done by a doctor, a clinical psychologist or a trained practitioner.
b. two certificates by 'qualified examiners'.
PROS: There is a process in place that aloows for the safegaurding of individuals who are at risk of harming themselves and other or who can't care for themselves.
You can request a five day discharge if you are in the hospital, meaning that the director can go to court if they desire to keep you there.
Most psychiatrists will discharge you as soon as they can.
CONS: There is no judicial review for the first five days.
You do not have the right to have a court trial to determine your need until at least five days later.
You have the right to have a lawyer present during the certificate examine, but this is rarely explained or invoked.
I am involved in this quite frequently and I am careful about who I hospitalise and when, but I am concerned that civil liberties can be abrogated so easily.
In Illinois all it takes is :
a. a petition for involuntary commitment and a certificate from a 'qualified examiner'
The petition can be filed by any one, but is genraly done by mental health workers and police officers. The certificate can be done by a doctor, a clinical psychologist or a trained practitioner.
b. two certificates by 'qualified examiners'.
PROS: There is a process in place that aloows for the safegaurding of individuals who are at risk of harming themselves and other or who can't care for themselves.
You can request a five day discharge if you are in the hospital, meaning that the director can go to court if they desire to keep you there.
Most psychiatrists will discharge you as soon as they can.
CONS: There is no judicial review for the first five days.
You do not have the right to have a court trial to determine your need until at least five days later.
You have the right to have a lawyer present during the certificate examine, but this is rarely explained or invoked.