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Intermediate Formal IVT

IVC order

Also written as: IVC — Involuntary Commitment

A court-issued involuntary commitment order directing law enforcement to transport an individual to a psychiatric facility for evaluation.

Full Definition

An Involuntary Commitment (IVC) order is a legal document issued by a court or authorized official that compels law enforcement to locate and transport an individual to a designated psychiatric facility for mandatory evaluation. These orders are typically initiated when there is evidence that a person poses a risk to themselves or others due to mental illness. The order includes specific instructions for duration of hold, receiving facility, and legal protections for the individual during transport and evaluation.

Usage

Usage note: Capitalize when referring to the specific legal document; lowercase when used generically.

In Context

  • "The crisis team recommended seeking an IVC order after the patient repeatedly refused voluntary treatment despite clear safety concerns." — Crisis intervention report
  • "Law enforcement executed the IVC order at 14:30, transporting the individual directly to County General's psychiatric emergency department." — Police incident report

Also known as

involuntary commitment order court commitment order

Contrasted with

voluntary admission self-referral

Don't confuse with

emergency detention order psychiatric warrant

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