Involuntary Psychiatric Hold
A legal mechanism allowing temporary detention of individuals deemed to pose an imminent danger to themselves or others due to mental illness.
Full Definition
An involuntary psychiatric hold, also known as a psychiatric hold or emergency detention, is a legal procedure that permits mental health professionals or law enforcement to detain an individual against their will for psychiatric evaluation. The hold is typically time-limited (commonly 72 hours) and requires specific criteria to be met, including imminent danger to self or others, grave disability, or inability to provide for basic needs due to mental illness. Documentation must clearly establish the legal grounds for the hold, and patients retain specific rights throughout the process. The terminology and duration vary by jurisdiction, with some states using terms like '5150' or 'Baker Act.'
Usage
Usage note: Distinguish from long-term involuntary commitment; specify jurisdiction-specific terminology when relevant (e.g., '5150 hold' in California).
In Context
- "The physician initiated an involuntary psychiatric hold after the patient expressed specific suicidal intent with a detailed plan." — Emergency department documentation
- "Documentation for the involuntary psychiatric hold must include clear evidence of imminent danger and lack of capacity for voluntary treatment." — Legal compliance training material