Grave disability

Grave disability or gravely disabled is a legal status used as a criterion in addition to danger to self or others [1] as the basis for involuntary commitment[2] in only 9 of 50 states of the United States.[3] It is not a criterion in Washington, D.C.

In California,[4] it is defined as "a condition in which a person, as a result of a mental health disorder," ...(or impairment by chronic alcoholism)..., "is unable to provide for his or her basic personal needs for food, clothing, or shelter."[5][6]

Some states such as Louisiana also include substance-related or addictive disorders and add medical care to needs.[7]

It may also be used in certain defined violent felony cases for mental incompetence.[5]

References

  1. ^ Emergency Hospitalization for Evaluation - Treatment Advocacy Center
  2. ^ Standards for Involuntary Commitment (Assisted Treatment) State-by-State (Source Treatment Advocacy Center) - Mental Illness Policy Org
  3. ^ Hedman LC et al (2016) State Laws on Emergency Holds for Mental Health Stabilization. Psychiatric Services 67(5): 529–535; doi:10.1176/appi.ps.201500205
  4. ^ Summary of Grave Disability Criteria Archived 2015-12-04 at the Wayback Machine, from Disability Rights California (1996)
  5. ^ a b California Welfare and Institutions Code, Section 5008 (h) definition of gravely disabled. mental health defined in (h)(1)(A), alcoholism in (h)(2), and mental incompetent in (h){1}(B). California Legislative Information maintained by California Office of Legislative Counsel
  6. ^ Grave Disability, Jewish Family Service
  7. ^ RS 28:2(13) definitions Louisiana State Legislature


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