Intermediate
Formal
In the Industry Vocabulary Test
72-hour hold
Emergency psychiatric detention period allowing evaluation without patient consent.
Full Definition
A 72-hour hold is an emergency psychiatric detention that allows hospitals to hold patients for up to 72 hours for mental health evaluation and treatment without their consent. This hold can be initiated when there is probable cause to believe the person has a mental disorder and poses a danger to themselves, others, or is gravely disabled. During this period, qualified professionals conduct comprehensive assessments to determine if longer-term treatment or commitment is necessary.
Usage
Usage note: Time periods vary by state; verify local regulations for accurate documentation.
In Context
- "The patient was placed on a 72-hour hold following a suicide attempt in the emergency department." — admission assessment
- "Legal documentation for the 72-hour hold must be completed within four hours of detention." — hospital procedure manual
Also known as
emergency hold
psychiatric hold
5150
Contrasted with
voluntary admission
Don't confuse with
involuntary commitment
emergency detention