Involuntary Confinement: What You Should Know

the person must be refusing this treatment. The person must be a danger to themselves or to others. A certificate must be written and signed by the admitting physician, for up to a 3-week stay.

For long term treatment that lasts longer than 3 weeks, the following documents must be present: Original admitting certificate by original admitting physician. Certificate of Incompetency Community Treatment Order Dependent Adult Certificate

All of the above documents require a judicial hearing and judge's signature. Most states will follow the above rules when committing someone involuntarily.

Involuntary confinement will always be controversial. Each case is different from the one before it, and each case requires careful attention. If you feel that you or someone you love needs to be committed involuntarily, you should immediately seek a psychiatric consult at your nearest hospital. If you feel you or someone else has been committed unlawfully, you can contact the Bazelon Center at the following address: Bazelon Center for Mental Health Law 1101 15th St NW, Suite 1212 Washington, DC 2005-5002

Sources: AP and Reuters

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