Section 5150
California legal code allowing 72-hour involuntary psychiatric hold for individuals deemed dangerous to themselves or others.
Full Definition
Section 5150 of California's Lanterman-Petris-Short Act authorizes qualified professionals to place individuals on an involuntary 72-hour psychiatric hold when they are determined to be a danger to themselves, a danger to others, or gravely disabled due to mental illness. The hold allows for evaluation and treatment without the person's consent. It can be initiated by peace officers, designated mental health professionals, or physicians. During the hold, patients cannot leave the facility and can be medicated against their will in emergency situations. The term has entered popular usage but specifically refers to California law, with other states having different legal frameworks for involuntary commitment.
Usage
Usage note: Specific to California. Other states use different legal codes. Always capitalize 'Section'.
In Context
- "The patient was placed on a Section 5150 hold after threatening self-harm." — Emergency department documentation
- "The Section 5150 evaluation determined the patient no longer met criteria for involuntary detention." — Psychiatric consultation report