Marin Extends Involuntary Psychiatric Hold​s For 30 More Days

MARIN COUNTY, CA – The Marin County Board of Supervisors on Tuesday approved a resolution that extends for 30 more days an involuntary psychiatric hold of a mentally disabled person who requires additional treatment.

The Lanterman Petris-Short Act under the state's Welfare and Institutions Code requires that a mentally disabled person be treated in the least restrictive setting and afforded certain rights including court
hearings if detainment is involuntary.

People in serious need of mental health treatment can be involuntarily admitted to a facility for 72 hours for evaluation and treatment. If an individual is unable or unwilling to remain voluntarily and more treatment is needed, the hold can be extended an additional 14 days.

The resolution passed Tuesday states that there are instances when the holds of up to 14 days do not provide sufficient time to complete a thorough assessment and patient stabilization, and an additional 30 days of treatment is required for a total of 47 days.

The county's Crisis Stabilization Unit is certified to evaluate and treat a patient for up to 24 hours. If needed, inpatient care, such as care provided by neighboring Marin General Hospital, would take over and treat the patient for the extended period of time, according to the county.

According to the resolution, the approval of the additional 30-day involuntary psychiatric hold can decrease institutional placements and the number, stigma and restrictions of temporary conservatorships.

Under conservatorship, a judge appoints a guardian or protector to care for an adult who cannot care for his or her financial affairs or manage daily life.

The Marin County Department of Health and Human Services, Division of Behavioral Health and Recovery Services and the Public Guardian requested that the Board of Supervisors consider approving the resolution.

By Bay City News Service / Image via Shutterstock