U.S. involuntary mental health commitment statutes: requirements for persons perceived to be a potential harm to self.
The civil commitment statutes of all 50 states and the District of Columbia were reviewed to determine: (1) What is required for a person who is believed to be at serious and imminent risk of self-harm to be eligible for involuntary hospitalization; and (2) Whether an attempt to involuntarily hospitalize was required or was merely an option when the requirements found in number 1 were met. The analysis revealed that nearly 85% of the jurisdictions require dangerousness to self to be the result of a mental illness, and only two jurisdictions mandate attempts at involuntary commitment if a person is deemed to be an imminent harm to self. These results have implications for practice with individuals who are suicidal.
Werth
J L
JL
Department of Psychology, The University of Akron, OH 44325-4301, USA. JWerth@uakron.edu
D003134:Commitment of Persons with Psychiatric Disorders / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence* / Q000592:standards*; D003657:Decision Making; D005104:Expert Testimony / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence / Q000592:standards; D006801:Humans; D001523:Mental Disorders / Q000523:psychology; D014481:United States; D000092864:Suicide Prevention