5150 hold
Pronunciation: fifty-one-fifty hold
A 72-hour involuntary psychiatric hold in California allowing emergency detention of individuals deemed dangerous to themselves or others.
Full Definition
A 5150 hold refers to a specific section of California's Lanterman-Petris-Short Act that permits qualified professionals to involuntarily detain individuals for up to 72 hours for psychiatric evaluation if they are deemed to be a danger to themselves, a danger to others, or gravely disabled due to mental illness. The hold can be initiated by peace officers, licensed clinicians, or other designated professionals. During the 72-hour period, the individual must be evaluated by mental health professionals to determine if further involuntary treatment is necessary. The term '5150' has entered popular culture and is sometimes used colloquially to refer to involuntary psychiatric holds in other states, though the specific legal framework varies by jurisdiction.
Usage
Usage note: Specific to California law; use generic terms like 'involuntary hold' when discussing other jurisdictions.
In Context
- "The police officer initiated a 5150 hold after the patient threatened suicide during the welfare check." — Emergency department report
- "Documentation for the 5150 hold must clearly specify which of the three criteria justified the involuntary detention." — Legal compliance training