1101 Fifteenth Street NW Suite 1212 Washington DC 20005 202-467-5730 www.bazelon.org INVOLUNTARY OUTPATIENT COMMITMENT SUMMARY OF STATE STATUTES
INVOLUNTARY OUTPATIENT COMMITMENT STATUTES State Outpatient Commitment Comparison ALABAMA 22-52-10.2 Court may order IOC if it finds, by clear and convincing evidence that (i) person is mentally ill; (ii) as a result of the mental illness, the person will, if not treated, continue to suffer mental distress and will continue to experience deterioration of the ability to function independently; and (iii) person is unable to make a rational and informed decision as to whether or not treatment for mental illness would be desirable. Inpatient requires real and present threat of substantial harm to self or others 22-52-10.4 22-52-10.3 (e) and (f) (e) The designated mental health facility has a duty to report any material noncompliance with the outpatient treatment order. (f) If, after a hearing, the probate court finds, based upon clear and convincing evidence, that the conditions of outpatient treatment have not been met, and that the respondent meets inpatient criteria, the probate court may enter an order for commitment to inpatient treatment. 22-52-10.3 Order for outpatient treatment; order limited to 150 days; designated mental health facility must consent to treat the respondent on an outpatient basis. Chart includes states with involuntary outpatient commitment statutes. Chart does not include states that have only Conditional Release statutes (e.g. New Hampshire, Tennessee), which require a person to meet inpatient commitment standards and be detained on an inpatient basis before a court can considering outpatient commitment. Involuntary Outpatient Commitment (IOC) may be referred to by different terms (e.g., Vermont refers to IOC as an Order for Non- Hospitalization ). This chart is no substitute for legal research.
State Outpatient Commitment Comparison ARIZONA 36-540(A)(1) If the court finds by clear and convincing evidence that the proposed patient, as a result of mental disorder, is a danger to himself, is a danger to others, is persistently or acutely disabled or is gravely disabled and in need of treatment, and is either unwilling or unable to accept voluntary treatment, the court may order the patient to undergo treatment in a program of outpatient treatment. 36-540(C)(1) To order IOC, all of the following must apply: (a) The patient does not require continuous inpatient hospitalization; (b) The patient will be more appropriately treated in an outpatient treatment program or in a combined inpatient and outpatient treatment program; (c) The patient will follow a prescribed outpatient treatment plan; and (d) The patient will not likely become dangerous or suffer more serious physical harm or serious illness or further deterioration if the patient follows a prescribed outpatient treatment plan. Under criteria listed in 36-540(A), court may order IOC, inpatient commitment, or a combination of the two. None stated 36-540(C)(2) Court may not order IOC unless presented with and approves a written treatment plan. 36-540.01(B) An IOC treatment plan must include: (1) Patient's requirements, if any, for supervision, medication and assistance in obtaining basic needs such as employment, food, clothing or shelter; (2) The address of the residence where the patient is to live and the name of the person in charge of the residence, if any; and (4) The conditions for continued outpatient treatment, which may require periodic reporting, continuation of medication and submission to testing, and may restrict travel, consumption of spirituous liquor and drugs, associations with others, and incurrence of debts and obligations, or such other reasonable conditions as the medical director may specify. 36-540(D) IOC order limited to one year. 36-540(E)(2) Court may not order IOC unless service provider agrees to provide services. BAZELON CENTER FOR MENTAL HEALTH LAW - APRIL 2000 3
State Outpatient Commitment Comparison ARKANSAS 20-47-214(b)(1) If clear and convincing evidence that person is danger to himself or others, court shall issue an order authorizing the hospital or receiving facility or program to detain the person for treatment. 20-47-207(c)(1) (1) A "clear and present danger to himself" is established by demonstrating that: (A) The person has inflicted serious bodily injury on himself or has attempted suicide or serious self-injury and there is a reasonable probability that such conduct will be repeated if admission is not ordered; or (B) The person has threatened to inflict serious bodily injury on himself and there is a reasonable probability that such conduct will occur if admission is not ordered; or (C) The person's behavior demonstrates that he so lacks the capacity to care for his own welfare that there is a reasonable probability of death, serious bodily injury, or serious physical or mental debilitation if admission is not ordered. (2) A clear and present danger to others" is established by demonstrating that the person has inflicted, attempted to inflict, or threatened to inflict serious bodily harm on another, and there is a reasonable probability that such conduct will occur if admission is not ordered. Same 20-47-219 (a) If any person fails to comply with the court-approved treatment plan, the person will be returned, upon the request of the person's treatment staff, to the receiving facility or program by the sheriff of the county or law enforcement officer of the city in which the individual is physically present, or the receiving facility or program security personnel without further proceedings. (b) Notification shall be provided to the court by the person's treatment staff if a person absents himself without leave or fails to comply with the court-approved treatment plan. (c) A person's noncompliance with the court-approved treatment plan or absenting himself from a receiving facility or program without leave shall not vacate an order; the order shall remain in effect until abated or changed by the issuing court or until the expiration of one (1) year. 20-47-214 Initial IOC order limited to 45 days; person may request treatment in the least restrictive alternative appropriate setting. 20-47-215 IOC orders may be extended for 180 days, with no limit on number of extensions. 20-47-202(m) Receiving facility or program refers to an inpatient or outpatient treatment facility or program which is designated to accept the responsibility for care, custody, and treatment of persons involuntarily admitted to the state mental health system. BAZELON CENTER FOR MENTAL HEALTH LAW - APRIL 2000 4
State Outpatient Commitment Comparison COLORADO 27-10-107 (1) If a person detained for 72 hours under the provisions of section 27-10- 105 (emergency custody and evaluation) or a respondent under court order for evaluation pursuant to section 27-10-106 has received an evaluation, he may be certified (i.e., committed without a prior hearing) under the following conditions: (a) The professional staff of the agency or facility providing72-hour treatment and evaluation has analyzed the person's condition and has found the person is mentally ill and, as a result of mental illness, a danger to others or to himself or gravely disabled; and (b) The person has been advised of the availability of, but has not accepted, voluntary treatment; but, if reasonable grounds exist to believe that the person will not remain in a voluntary treatment program, his acceptance of voluntary treatment shall not preclude certification. 27-10-102(4.5) "Facility" means a public hospital or a licensed private hospital, clinic, community mental health center or clinic, institution, sanitarium, or residential child care facility that provides treatment for mentally ill persons. Same None stated 27-10-107(6) Unlike other jurisdictions, IOC may be initiated without a prior hearing. Person with mental illness may request a hearing after certification. 27-10-107(1) Initial IOC certification limited to 3 months. 27-10-108 IOC certification may be extended for up to 3 months (without a hearing, unless person subject ot certification requests one). 27-10-109 After 5 consecutive months of certification, person may be subjected to petitions for longterm care of up to 6 months at a time. When the first petition is filed, a hearing is available upon request; hearings are required for subsequent extensions. BAZELON CENTER FOR MENTAL HEALTH LAW - APRIL 2000 5
State Outpatient Commitment Comparison DELAWARE 16 5010(2) If the court finds that, based upon clear and convincing evidence, the involuntary patient is a mentally ill person, the court shall enter an order of disposition. In determining the disposition of the involuntary patient the court shall consider all available alternatives, including inpatient confinement at the hospital, and shall order such disposition as imposes the least restraint upon the involuntary patient s liberty and dignity consistent both with affording mental health treatment and care with protecting the safety of the involuntary patient and the public. Same None stated 16 5010(2) Commitment shall not exceed 3 months. 16 5001(1) Mentally ill person means a person suffering from a mental disease or condition which requires such person to be observed and treated at a mental hospital for the person's own welfare and which both (i) renders such person unable to make responsible decisions with respect to the person's hospitalization, and (ii) poses a real and present threat, based upon manifest indications, that such person is likely to commit or suffer serious harm to that person's own self or others or to property if not given immediate hospital care and treatment. DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA 21-545(b) If the court or jury finds that the person is mentally ill and, because of that illness, is likely to injure himself or other persons if allowed to remain at liberty, the court may order his hospitalization for an indeterminate period, or order any other alternative course of treatment which the court believes will be in the best interests of the person or of the public. Same None stated 21-545(b) Hearing and determination by court 21-541 Process for petition BAZELON CENTER FOR MENTAL HEALTH LAW - APRIL 2000 6
State Outpatient Commitment Comparison GEORGIA 37-3-81.1(2) Court may order IOC for outpatient if the court determines that there is such available outpatient treatment which the patient will likely obtain so as to minimize the likelihood of the patient's becoming an inpatient. 37-3-1(12.1) Outpatient is a person who is mentally ill, and (A) who is not an inpatient but who, based on the person s treatment history or current mental status, will require outpatient treatment in order to avoid predictably and imminently becoming an inpatient; (B) who because of the person's current mental status, mental history or nature of the person s mental illness is unable voluntarily to seek or comply with outpatient treatment; and (C) who is in need of involuntary treatment. Court may commit a person with mental illness who (A)(i) presents a substantial risk of imminent harm to self or others as manifested by either recent overt or recent expressed threats of violence or (ii) is so unable to care for that person's own physical health and safety as to create an imminently lifeendangering crisis; and (B) is in need of involuntary inpatient treatment. 37-3-1(9.1) 37-3-82 (b) If the patient fails without good cause or refuses to comply with the outpatient service plan, the physician or psychologist in charge of the outpatient service plan may petition the court originally approving the involuntary treatment of the patient for an order authorizing a peace officer to take the patient and immediately deliver the patient to the community mental health center in charge (for up to 4 hours) or to the nearest emergency receiving facility serving the county in which the patient is found (for up to 48 hours) for examination and treatment. (d) If a person is detained as an inpatient under this section, the outpatient commitment order remains in effect upon their release unless the court orders otherwise. 37-3-1 Outpatient treatment, defined. 37-3-93 Court order for outpatient commitment; commitment limited to one year, unless another hearing is held. 37-3-81.1 Disposition of patient upon hearing. 37-3-90 Certification of need for involuntary care. BAZELON CENTER FOR MENTAL HEALTH LAW - APRIL 2000 7
State Outpatient Commitment Comparison HAWAII 334-121 A person may be ordered to obtain involuntary outpatient treatment if the family court finds that: (1) The person is suffering from a severe mental disorder or from substance abuse; (2) the person is capable of surviving safely in the community with available supervision from family, friends, or others; (3) the person, at some time in the past: (A) has received inpatient hospital treatment for a severe mental disorder or substance abuse, or (B) has been imminently dangerous to self or others, or is gravely disabled, as a result of a severe mental disorder or substance abuse; (4) the person, based on the person s treatment history and current behavior, is now in need of treatment in order to prevent a relapse or deterioration which would predictably result in the person becoming imminently dangerous to self or others; (5) the person s current mental status or the nature of the person's disorder limits or negates the person's ability to make an informed decision to voluntarily seek or comply with recommended treatment; and (6) there is a reasonable prospect that the outpatient treatment ordered will be beneficial to the person. Inpatient commitment requires that the person be imminently dangerous to self or others, gravely disabled, or obviously ill and needs care or treatment, or both, for which there is no available less restrictive alternative to hospitalization. 334-60.2 334-129(c) The outpatient treatment psychiatrist or psychiatrist s designee shall make all reasonable efforts to solicit the subject s compliance with the prescribed treatment. If the subject fails or refuses to comply after all efforts to solicit compliance, the outpatient treatment psychiatrist shall so notify the court and may submit a petition for the involuntary hospitalization of the subject, provided that the refusal of treatment shall not constitute evidence toward any of the criteria for involuntary hospitalization. 334-129(b) No subject of an IOC order shall be physically forced to take medication or forcibly detained for treatment. 334-126 IOC hearing. 334-127(b) IOC order limited to 180 days; beneficial mental and physical effects of recommended medication(s) must outweigh the detrimental mental and physical effects. BAZELON CENTER FOR MENTAL HEALTH LAW - APRIL 2000 8
State Outpatient Commitment Comparison IDAHO 66-339A Person may be committed to outpatient treatment if (1) Person is diagnosed as having a mental illness; and (2) the person without the requested treatment: (a) is likely to cause harm to himself or to suffer substantial mental or emotional deterioration, or become gravely disabled, or (b) is likely to cause harm to others; (3) lacks capacity to make an informed decision concerning his need for treatment; (4) has previously been hospitalized for treatment of mental illness and has by history substantially failed to comply on one or more occasions with the prescribed course of treatment outside the hospital; (5) a treatment plan has been prepared which includes specific conditions with which the patient is expected to comply, together with a detailed plan for reviewing the patient s medical status and for monitoring his or her compliance with the required conditions of treatment; (6) there is a reasonable prospect that the patient s disorder will respond to treatment in the proposed treatment plan without having to be involuntarily committed to an inpatient facility if the patient complies with the treatment requirements specified in the court s order; and (7) the physician or treatment facility which is to be responsible for the patient s treatment under that commitment order has agreed to accept the patient Inpatient commitment requires that a person be mentally ill and either likely to injure himself or others or gravely disabled. 66-329(k) 66-339C (1) If a patient fails to comply and the staff of the treatment facility believes that there is a significant risk of deterioration in the patients condition, they shall notify law enforcement. (2) The IOC order constitutes a continuing authorization for law enforcement to transport the person to the designated outpatient treatment facility or the physician s office for the purpose of making reasonable efforts to obtain the person s compliance with the requirements of the IOC order. (3) If a patient fails to comply and the staff of the treatment facility believes that there is significant risk of deterioration, they shall notify the original petitioner for IOC and the prosecuting attorney of the county where the patient is found and shall recommend an appropriate disposition. (a) Upon finding that hospitalization is necessary to prevent the patient from harming himself or others or to prevent substantial deterioration the court may temporarily commit the patient to an inpatient facility pending a hearing on a petition or application for commitment to an inpatient facility; (b) Upon finding that the patient does not meet the criteria for inpatient commitment and continues to meet criteria for IOC and the outpatient treatment appears warranted, the court shall renew or modify the order to IOC. 66-329 Procedures for initiating commitment 66-339A IOC order not to exceed one year. BAZELON CENTER FOR MENTAL HEALTH LAW - APRIL 2000 9
State Outpatient Commitment Comparison ILLINOIS 405 5/3-811 If any person is found subject to involuntary admission, the court shall consider alternative mental health facilities which are appropriate for and available to the respondent, including but not limited to hospitalization. 405 5/1-119 Person subject to involuntary admission means: (1) A person with mental illness and who because of his or her illness is reasonably expected to inflict serious physical harm upon himself or herself or another in the near future; or (2) A person with mental illness and who because of his or her illness is unable to provide for his basic physical needs so as to guard himself or herself from serious harm. Same A comprehensive physical and mental examination and social investigation shall be used to determine whether some program other than hospitalization will meet the person s needs, with preference given to care or treatment in the community 405 5/1-119 405 5/3-812(a) and (b) (a) The court shall have continuing authority to modify an order for alternative treatment if the recipient fails to comply with the order. Prior to modifying such an order, the court shall receive a report from the program s facility director specifying why the alternative treatment is unsuitable. The recipient shall be notified and given an opportunity to respond when modification of the order for alternative treatment is considered. (b) The court may revoke an order for alternative treatment, order a peace officer to take the person into custody, and order a person hospitalized. 405 5/3-811 Alternative mental health facilities described. Hospitalization may only be ordered if state proves that it is the least restrictive alternative. Matter of Luttrell, 633 N.E. 2d 74 (Ill. 1994). INDIANA 12-26-14-1 Court may order outpatient treatment if a person is (1) mentally ill and either dangerous or gravely disabled; (2) likely to benefit from an outpatient therapy program that is designed to decrease the individual s dangerousness or disability; (3) not likely to be either dangerous or gravely disabled if they comply with the therapy program; and (4) recommended for an outpatient therapy program by the individual s examining physician. Inpatient commitment requires that a person be mentally ill and either dangerous or gravely disabled 12-26-7-5(a)(1) 12-26-14-4 (a) Staff shall immediately notify the court of failure to comply with IOC. (b) The individual may be transferred from the outpatient therapy program to one of the following: (1) Inpatient unit; (2) Supervised group living program; or (3) A sub-acute stabilization facility. (d) The individual may not be imprisoned or confined in jail unless the individual has been placed under arrest. 12-26-6-8 Order of commitment limited to 90 days. BAZELON CENTER FOR MENTAL HEALTH LAW - APRIL 2000 10
State Outpatient Commitment Comparison IOWA 229.13 If a patient has been found by clear and convincing evidence to have a serious mental impairment they can be ordered committed into outpatient care 229.1(15) Serious mental impairment, is defined as lacking (due to mental illness) sufficient judgment to make responsible decisions with respect to the person s hospitalization or treatment, and who because of that illness meets any of the following criteria: (a) is likely to physically injure the person s self or others if allowed to remain at liberty without treatment; (b) is likely to inflict serious emotional injury on members of the person s family or others who lack reasonable opportunity to avoid contact with the person with mental illness if the person with mental illness is allowed to remain at liberty without treatment; or (c) is unable to satisfy the person s needs for nourishment, clothing, essential medical care, or shelter so that it is likely that the person will suffer physical injury, physical debilitation, or death. Same 229.13 If, after placement and admission of a respondent in or under the care of a hospital or other suitable facility, the respondent departs from the hospital or facility or fails to appear for treatment as ordered without prior proper authorization from the chief medical officer, upon receipt of notification of the respondent s departure or failure to appear, a peace officer shall, without further order of the court, exercise all due diligence to take the respondent into protective custody and return the respondent to the hospital or facility. 229.11 Order for immediate custody. 229.12 Hearing procedure. BAZELON CENTER FOR MENTAL HEALTH LAW - APRIL 2000 11
State Outpatient Commitment Comparison KANSAS 59-2967 (a) IOC is dispositional alternative to inpatient commitment where the patient is likely to comply with an order and patient will not likely be a danger in the community or be likely to cause harm to self or others. (b) No order for outpatient treatment shall be entered unless the head of the outpatient treatment facility has consented to treat the patient on an outpatient basis under the terms and conditions set forth by the court, except that no order for outpatient treatment shall be refused by a participating mental health center. 59-2946(f)(1) Inpatient commitment requires that a person be mentally ill and lack capacity to make an informed decision concerning treatment, be likely to cause harm to self or others, and whose diagnosis is not solely one of the following mental disorders: alcohol or substance / chemical abuse; antisocial personality disorder, mental retardation; organic personality syndrome; or an organic mental disorder. 59-2967 (e) The treatment facility shall immediately report to the court any noncompliance by the patient with the outpatient treatment order. The court may enter an ex-parte emergency (i.e., not more than two days) custody order providing for the immediate detention of the patient in a designated inpatient treatment facility except that the court shall not order the detention of the patient at a state psychiatric hospital, unless a written statement from a qualified mental health professional authorizing such detention at a psychiatric hospital has been filed with the court. (g) If after a hearing, the court finds by clear and convincing evidence that the patient violated any condition of the outpatient treatment order, the court may enter an order for inpatient treatment (except that the court shall not order the detention of the patient at a state psychiatric hospital, unless a written statement from a qualified mental health professional authorizing such detention at a psychiatric hospital has been filed with the court) or the court may modify the terms and conditions of the IOC order. 59-2966(a) Initial commitment limited to 3 months. 59-2969(f) Court may renew commitment for up to 6 months. BAZELON CENTER FOR MENTAL HEALTH LAW - APRIL 2000 12
State Outpatient Commitment Comparison KENTUCKY 202A.081(1) Following a preliminary hearing on inpatient commitment, but prior to completion of the final hearing, court may with the agreement of the parties order the release of the person for the purpose of community-based outpatient treatment. 202A-026 No person shall be involuntarily hospitalized unless such person is a mentally ill person: (1) Who presents a danger or threat of danger to self, family or others as a result of the mental illness; (2) Who can reasonably benefit from treatment; and (3) For whom hospitalization is the least restrictive alternative mode of treatment presently available. Same 202A.081(4) The release of a person under 202A.081(1) does not terminate the proceedings against the person, and the court may order the immediate holding of the person at any time with or without notice if the court believes from an affidavit filed with the court that it is in the best interest of the person or others that the person be held pending the final hearing. 202A.081(5) If a person is released under 202A.081(1), the final hearing may be continued for up to 60 days and that period may be extended once for up to 60 days. LOUISIANA 28:55(E)(1) If the court finds by clear and convincing evidence that the respondent is dangerous to self or others or is gravely disabled, as a result of substance abuse or mental illness, it shall render a judgment for his commitment to a treatment facility. 28:2(29)(a) Treatment facility includes community mental health centers, private clinics, and substance abuse clinics. If medically suitable treatment may be secured without institutionalization, then court is not prohibited from ordering such treatment by 28:55(E). Matter of L.M.S., 476 So.2d 934 (La.App. 2 Cir. 1985). Same None stated However, the court may, if it finds it to be in the best interest of the respondent, revoke the certificate or judgment of commitment. 28:55(E)(6) 28:55(E)(1) Court must consider all relevant circumstances, including any preference of the respondent or his family, and select setting least restrictive of the respondent's liberty. If placement unavailable, court may place person in a state treatment facility until placement becomes available. 28:56(A) (1)(a) Initial commitment limited to 180 days. BAZELON CENTER FOR MENTAL HEALTH LAW - APRIL 2000 13
State Outpatient Commitment Comparison MICHIGAN 330.1468(2)(c) and (d) Court may order IOC or a combination of IOC and hospitalization for a "person requiring treatment." 330.1401(1) A person requiring treatment is defined as a (a) Person has a mental illness, and who as a result of that mental illness can reasonably be expected within the near future to intentionally or unintentionally seriously physically injure himself or herself or another individual, and who has engaged in an act or acts or made significant threats that are substantially supportive of the expectation; (b) Person who has mental illness, and who as a result of that mental illness is unable to attend to those of his or her basic physical needs such as food, clothing, or shelter that must be attended to in order for the individual to avoid serious harm in the near future, and who has demonstrated that inability by failing to attend to those basic physical needs; or (c) Person who has mental illness, whose judgment is so impaired that he or she is unable to understand his or her need for treatment and whose continued behavior as the result of this mental illness can reasonably be expected, on the basis of competent clinical opinion, to result in significant physical harm to himself or herself or others. Same If an individual is found to be a person requiring treatment, the court may order the individual hospitalized. 330.1468(2)(a) and (b) 330.1475(2) If it comes to the attention of the court that an individual subject to an order of alternative treatment or combined hospitalization and alternative treatment is not complying with the order...the court may do either of the following without a hearing: (a) Consider other alternatives to hospitalization and modify the order to direct the individual to undergo another program of alternative treatment for the duration of the order; or (b) Modify the order to direct the individual to undergo hospitalization or combined hospitalization and alternative treatment (for up to 60 days on an initial order, 90 days on a second or continuing order). The order may include a provision directing a peace officer to forcibly return a person to the hospital if they refuse to comply with the psychiatrist s request to return to the hospital. 330.1475(1) The supervising agency or mental health professional has a duty to report a person s noncompliance with an IOC order. 330.1469a(2) If court determines alternative treatment is adequate to meet the individual's needs and prevent harm to self or others within the near future and an agency or mental health professional is available to supervise the program, the court must issue an order for alternative treatment or combined hospitalization and alternative treatment. 330.1434 Petition for involuntary treatment. BAZELON CENTER FOR MENTAL HEALTH LAW - APRIL 2000 14
State Outpatient Commitment Comparison MINNESOTA 253B.065(5)(b) Court must order early intervention treatment (i.e., IOC) if the following requirements are proven by clear and convincing evidence: (1) person is mentally ill; (2) person refuses to accept appropriate mental health treatment; and (3) their mental illness is manifested by instances of grossly disturbed behavior or faulty perceptions and either (i) the grossly disturbed behavior or faulty perceptions significantly interfere with proposed patient s ability to care for self and the proposed patient, when competent, would have chosen substantially similar treatment under the same circumstances; or (ii) due to mental illness the proposed patient received courtordered inpatient treatment at least twice in the previous 3 years; the patient is exhibiting symptoms or behavior substantially similar to those that precipitated one or more of the court-ordered treatments; and the patient is reasonably expected to physically or mentally deteriorate to the point of meeting the criteria for inpatient commitment unless treated. Inpatient commitment requires that person be mentally ill, mentally retarded, or chemically dependent, and there must be no suitable alternative to commitment. The least restrictive treatment mandate explicitly requires court to consider outpatient commitment as an alternative to hospitalization (e.g., communitybased nonresidential treatment) 253B.09 253B.097(1)(4) Consequences may include commitment to another setting for treatment. The IOC order must include the consequences of the person s failure to comply. 253B.065(b) The early intervention treatment ordered by the court must be less intrusive than longterm inpatient commitment and must be the least restrictive treatment program available that can meet the patient's treatment needs. 253B.066 IOC order may include short-term hospitalization (not to exceed 10 days). 253B.09 Standard of proof; initial commitment limited to 6 months. 253B.02(13)(a) The definition of mentally ill includes a requirement that the person pose a substantial likelihood of physical harm to self or others as demonstrated by: (1) a failure to obtain necessary food, clothing, shelter or medical care as a result of the impairment, or (2) a recent attempt or threat to physically harm self or others. BAZELON CENTER FOR MENTAL HEALTH LAW - APRIL 2000 15
State Outpatient Commitment Comparison MISSISSIPPI 41-21-73(4) If a person is found to be mentally ill and there is no suitable alternative to judicial commitment, the court shall commit the patient for treatment in the least restrictive treatment facility which can meet the patient's treatment needs. Alternatives to commitment to inpatient care may include, but shall not be limited to: voluntary or court-ordered outpatient commitment for treatment with specific reference to a treatment regimen, day treatment in a hospital, night treatment in a hospital, placement in the custody of a friend or relative or the provision of home health services. 41-21-69 If an examining physician or psychologist find the the following, they must recommend IOC: (i) the respondent is mentally ill; (ii) the respondent is capable of surviving safely in the community with available supervision from family, friends or others; (iii) based on the respondent s treatment history and other applicable medical or psychiatric indicia, the respondent is in need of treatment in order to prevent further disability or deterioration which would result in significant deterioration in the ability to carry out activities of daily living; and (iv) his or her current mental status or the nature of his or her illness limits or negates his or her ability to make an informed decision to seek voluntarily or comply with recommended treatment Inpatient commitment requires that a person be dangerous to self or society and unable to live safely in freedom. Bethany v. Stubbs, 393 So. 2d 1351 (Miss. 1981). IOC is considered a less restrictive alternative to inpatient commitment. 41-21-73(4) 41-21-74 (2) If the respondent fails or clearly refuses to comply with outpatient treatment, the director of the treatment facility, his designee or an interested person shall make all reasonable efforts to solicit the respondent s compliance. These efforts shall be documented and, if the respondent fails or clearly refuses to comply with outpatient treatment after such efforts are made, such efforts shall be documented with the court by affidavit. Upon the filing of the affidavit, the sheriff of the proper county is authorized to take the respondent into his custody. (3) The respondent may be returned to the treatment facility as soon thereafter as facilities are available. Respondent may request a hearing within 10 days of their return to the facility. 41-21-69 Examination; attorney may be present 41-21-73(4) Initial commitment limited to 3 months. BAZELON CENTER FOR MENTAL HEALTH LAW - APRIL 2000 16
State Outpatient Commitment Comparison MISSOURI 632.330(2) IOC requires that a person (1) be mentally ill and, as a result, present a likelihood of serious harm to himself or others; and (2) be in need of treatment on an outpatient basis; and that the facility or mental health coordinator demonstrate that (4) attempts were made to provide necessary care, treatment and services but the person either lacks the capacity or refuses to voluntarily consent to care, treatment and services; and (5) the person has appropriate support from family, friends, case managers or others during the period of IOC and that there is available treatment in the community. 632.330(2) Inpatient commitment requires that a person (1) be mentally ill and, as a result, present a likelihood of serious harm to himself or others; and (2) be in need of treatment on an inpatient basis and that the facility or mental health coordinator demonstrate that (4) attempts were made to provide necessary care, treatment and services but the person either lacks the capacity or refuses to voluntarily consent to care, treatment and services. None stated 632.330(2) Can commit as outpatient for 180 days initially, but only 21days as inpatient. 632.305 Must be detained for evaluation (up to 96 hours). 632.335 Hearing procedures. BAZELON CENTER FOR MENTAL HEALTH LAW - APRIL 2000 17
State Outpatient Commitment Comparison MONTANA 53-21-127(2)(d) Court may order IOC in any of the circumstances described below. If the court relies solely upon the criterion provided in 53-21-126(1)(d), the court may require commitment only to a community facility and may not require commitment at the state hospital. 53-21-126(1) (a) whether the respondent, because of a mental disorder, is substantially unable to provide for the respondent s own basic needs of food, clothing, shelter, health, or safety; (b) whether the respondent has recently, because of a mental disorder and through an act or an omission, caused self-injury or injury to others; (c) whether, because of a mental disorder, there is an imminent threat of injury to the respondent or to others because of the respondent s acts or omissions; or (d) whether the respondent s mental disorder, as demonstrated by the recent acts or omissions, will if untreated, predictably result in deterioration of the respondent s mental condition to the point at which the respondent will become a danger to self or others or will be unable to provide for the respondent s own basic needs of food, clothing, shelter, health or safety. 53-21- 127(2)(d) A person may be committed as an inpatient for meeting the criteria of 53-21- 126(1)(a), (b), or (c). Court must order the least restrictive treatment alternative. 53-21-120 None stated 53-21-126 Prohibits pre-hearing detention in jail or other corrections facility; standard of proof. 53-21-121 Petition, contents of; notice. 53-21-124 Detention pending hearing. 53-21-127(2)(b) IOC limited to 3 months. BAZELON CENTER FOR MENTAL HEALTH LAW - APRIL 2000 18
State Outpatient Commitment Comparison NEBRASKA 83-1038 Court may order IOC for mentally ill dangerous person. 83-1009 Mentally ill dangerous person is defined as any mentally ill person, alcoholic person, or drug-abusing person who presents: (1) A substantial risk of serious harm to another person or persons w/in the near future as manifested by evidence of recent violent acts or threats of violence or by placing others in reasonable fear of such harm; or (2) A substantial risk of serious harm to himself or herself w/in the near future as manifested by evidence of recent attempts at, or threats of, suicide or serious bodily harm or evidence of inability to provide for his or her basic human needs, including food, clothing, shelter, essential medical care, or personal safety Same The disposition ordered by the mental health board shall represent the alternative which imposes the least restraint upon the liberty of the subject. Inpatient hospitalization or custody shall be considered a treatment alternative of last resort. 83-1038 83-1045.01 (1) Provider has a duty to report the subject s noncompliance or the treatment plan s ineffectiveness; (2)(c) If it is found that (i) the subject is not following the treatment plan, (ii) the subject is not following the conditions set by the mental health board, (iii) the treatment plan is not effective, or (iv) there has been a significant change in the subject s mental illness and intervention is required to protect the subject or others, provider may file a motion for reconsideration of the IOC order. If they believe that the person poses a danger if not restrained prior to the hearing, may apply for a warrant to seize and hold subject. 83-1037 Order, standard of proof. 83-1007.01 Outpatient treatment defined. 83-1036 If less restrictive treatment alternatives are available and would suffice to prevent the harm described by 83-1009, the board may either dismiss the petition or suspend further proceedings for a period not to exceed 90 days in order to determine the results of voluntary treatment alternatives. BAZELON CENTER FOR MENTAL HEALTH LAW - APRIL 2000 19
State Outpatient Commitment Comparison NEW YORK Mental Hygiene 9.60(c) (1) Patient is 18 years of age or older; (2) patient is suffering from a mental illness; (3) patient is unlikely to survive safely in the community without supervision, based on a clinical determination; (4) the patient has a history of lack of compliance with treatment for mental illness that has: (i) at least twice in the last thirty-six months been a significant factor in necessitating hospitalization in a hospital, or receipt of services in a forensic or other mental health unit of a correctional facility or a local correctional facility, not including any period during which the person was hospitalized or incarcerated immediately preceding the filing of the petition or; (ii) resulted in one or more acts of serious violent behavior toward self or others or threats of, or attempts at, serious physical harm to self or others within the last 48 months, not including any period in which the person was hospitalized or incarcerated immediately preceding the filing of the petition; (5) the patient is, as a result of his or her mental illness, unlikely to voluntarily participate in the recommended treatment pursuant to the treatment plan; (6) in view of the patient's treatment history and current behavior, the patient is in need of assisted outpatient treatment in order to prevent a relapse or deterioration which would be likely to result in serious harm to the patient or others; and (7) it is likely that the patient will benefit from assisted outpatient treatment. Inpatient commitment requires that a person be: Mentally ill and In need of involuntary care and treatment Mental Hygiene 9.27 and Pose, by clear and convincing evidence, a substantial threat of physical harm to himself or to others Goetz v Crosson, 967 F.2d 29 (NY 1992). Mental Hygiene 9.60(n) Where the patient has failed or has refused to comply with the treatment ordered by the court, efforts were made to solicit compliance, and such patient may be in need of involuntary admission to a hospital, they may be removed to an appropriate hospital for an examination to determine if such person has a mental illness for which hospitalization is necessary. Furthermore, if such assisted outpatient refuses to take medications as required by the court order, or he or she refuses to take or fails a blood test, urinalysis, or alcohol or drug test as required by the court order, such physician may consider such refusal or failure when determining whether the assisted outpatient is in need of an examination to determine whether he or she has a mental illness for which hospitalization is necessary. Police officers, ambulances, or mobile crisis outreach teams may take into custody or transport any such person to the hospital operating the outpatient treatment program or to any hospital authorized by the director of community services to receive such persons. Person may be detained for up to 72 hours for evaluation. Mental Hygiene 9.60 is also cited as: 1999 Sess. Law News of NY Ch. 408 (S. 5762-A) and Kendra s Law Mental Hygiene 9.60(a)(1) Assisted outpatient treatment defined. Mental Hygiene 9.60(c)(8) Advance directives must be taken into account. Mental Hygiene 9.60(j)(2) Initial IOC limited to 6 months. Mental Hygiene 9.60(k) Court may extend IOC for up to an additional year. BAZELON CENTER FOR MENTAL HEALTH LAW - APRIL 2000 20
State Outpatient Commitment Comparison NORTH CAROLINA 122C-263(d)(1) (a) person is mentally ill; (b) person is capable of surviving safely in the community with available supervision from family, friends, or others; (c) based on psychiatric history, the person is in need of treatment in order to prevent further disability or deterioration that would predictably result in dangerousness (as defined by 122C- 3(11)); and (d) the person's current mental status or the nature of the person's illness limits or negates the person's ability to make an informed decision to seek voluntarily or comply with recommended treatment. Inpatient commitment requires that respondent is mentally ill and is dangerous to self or others (as defined in 122C-3(11)(a) and (b)) 122C-263(d)(2) 122C-265 (a) If a respondent fails to appear for examination by the proposed outpatient treatment physician or center at the designated time, the physician or center shall notify the clerk of the superior court who shall issue an order to a law enforcement officer or other authorized person to take the respondent into custody and take him immediately to the outpatient treatment physician or center for evaluation. 122C-273(a) (1) If a person fails or refuses to comply, provider must make all reasonable efforts to solicit compliance and must document such efforts; (2) If a person fails but is not clearly refusing to comply, provider may request an order to take the person into custody for an examination and to have the person picked up by a law enforcement officer; (3) In no case shall a person be physically forced to take medication or be forcibly detained for treatment unless they pose an immediate danger to self or others. 122C-267 Court hearing and standard of proof (clear and convincing). 122C-265 Examination and treatment pending hearing. 122C-3(11) Dangerousness defined. 122C-271(a)(1) Initial IOC order limited to 90 days. 122C-274(c) Court may order an examination and/or change or reissue the IOC order. BAZELON CENTER FOR MENTAL HEALTH LAW - APRIL 2000 21
State Outpatient Commitment Comparison NORTH DAKOTA 25-03.1-20(1) Court may order treatment other than hospitalization for person requiring treatment. 25-03.1-02(11) Person requiring treatment means a person who is: Mentally ill or chemically dependant, and there is a reasonable expectation that if the person is not treated there exists a serious risk of harm to that person, others, or property. Serious risk of harm means a substantial likelihood of: (a) Suicide, as manifested by suicidal threats, attempts, or significant depression relevant to suicidal potential; (b) Killing or inflicting serious bodily harm on another person or inflicting significant property damage, as manifested by acts or threats; (c) Substantial deterioration in physical health, or substantial injury, disease, or death, based upon recent poor selfcontrol or judgment in providing one s shelter, nutrition, or personal care; or (d) Substantial deterioration in mental health which would predictably result in dangerousness to that person, others, or property, based upon acts, threats, or patterns in the person s treatment history, current condition and other relevant factors. 25-03.1-21(1) Court must also find that treatment program other than hospitalization is adequate to meet the respondent s treatment needs and is sufficient to prevent harm or injuries to self or others. Same 25-03.1-20(2) and (3) 25-03.1-21(2) (2) The department, a representative of the treatment program involved in the alternative treatment order, the petitioner s retained attorney, or the state s attorney may apply to modify the alternative treatment order. Based on evidence presented at a hearing and other available information, the court may modify the IOC order in the following ways: (a) continue the alternative treatment order; (b) consider other alternatives to hospitalization, modify the court s original order, and direct the individual to undergo another program of alternative treatment for the remainder on the ninetyday period; or (c) enter a new order directing that the individual be hospitalized until ready for discharge. If the individual refuses to comply with this hospitalization order, the court may direct a peace officer to take the individual into protective custody and transport the respondent to a treatment facility (3) If a peace officer, physician, psychiatrist, clinical psychologist, or any mental health professional reasonably believes that the respondent is not complying with an order for alternative treatment and cannot wait for court intervention, the designated professional may cause the respondent to be taken into custody and detained at a treatment facility. In re JAD, 492 N.W.2d 82 (N.D. 1992). Respondent has the right to be served in the least restrictive conditions. 25-03.1-21(1) Initial IOC order limited to 90 days. BAZELON CENTER FOR MENTAL HEALTH LAW - APRIL 2000 22
State Outpatient Commitment Comparison OHIO 5122.15(C) If, upon completion of the hearing, the court finds by clear and convincing evidence that the respondent is a mentally ill person subject to hospitalization by court order, the court may order the respondent to receive psychiatric or psychological care and treatment for a period not to exceed ninety (90) days. 5122.01(B) Mentally ill person subject to hospitalization by court order means a mentally ill person who, because of the person's illness: (1) Represents a substantial risk of physical harm to self as manifested by evidence of threats of, or attempts at, suicide or serious self-inflicted bodily harm; (2) Represents a substantial risk of physical harm to others as manifested by evidence of recent homicidal or other violent behavior, evidence of recent threats that place another in reasonable fear of violent behavior and serious physical harm, or other evidence of present dangerousness; (3) Represents a substantial and immediate risk of serious physical impairment or injury to self as manifested by evidence that the person is unable to provide for and is not providing for the person's basic physical needs because of the person's mental illness and that appropriate provision for those needs cannot be made immediately available in the community; or (4) Would benefit from treatment in a hospital for his mental illness and is in need of such treatment as manifested by evidence of behavior that creates a grave and imminent risk to substantial rights of others or himself. Same 5122.15(C) None stated 5122.15(D) IOC order conditioned upon consent by the hospital, facility, agency, or person to accept the respondent. 5122.15(F) If at any time during 90 days treatment facility determines needs could be met in less restrictive manner, person shall be immediately released and referred to the court for dismissal or placement is a less restrictive setting. 5122.15(E) Court shall consider the preferences of the respondent and shall order the implementation of the least restrictive alternative available and consistent with treatment goals. BAZELON CENTER FOR MENTAL HEALTH LAW - APRIL 2000 23