Does the person have a mental illness? • Does the persons recent actions and behavior demonstrate that the person poses a likelihood of serious harm? • Is hospitalization the best available means for treatment? And • Is the individual treatment plan offered by the hospital satisfactory?
If the court answers YES to all of the questions it may commit the person to the hospital as an involuntary patient for a period up to 4 months. If the court answers YES to the first three questions but is not satisfied with the treatment plan it may postpone the hearing for 10 days to let the hospital revise its treatment plan. If the court answers NO to ANY of the first three questions, the application must be dismissed and the person must be discharged from the hospital. Does the Person Have a Right to Appeal the District Court Decision? Yes. The person may appeal an order of commitment to the Superior Court. The appeal must be filed within 21 days of the District Court’s order. What Happens at the End of the Commitment Period? The hospital may apply for recommitment for a period of up to 12 months if it believes that the person needs continued involuntary hospitalization.
Related Questions
- Does the person have a mental illness? • Does the persons recent actions and behavior demonstrate that the person poses a likelihood of serious harm? • Is hospitalization the best available means for treatment? And • Is the individual treatment plan offered by the hospital satisfactory?
- Is a person suffering from mental illness eligible for Social Security disability benefits?
- How is a Thing able to imitate the behavior of a person so perfectly?
