How do you get someone committed in Massachusetts?
The petitioner must go to the local court and file a written petition or affidavit for an order of commitment. Petitions may be filed at any District or Juvenile Court, regardless of home residence of the person being petitioned.
How long is a section 35 in Massachusetts?
about three weeks-- The average length of a Section 35 commitment in the 2017 fiscal year was about three weeks. -- Almost half of those committed under Section 35 had reported a history of using mental health medication in the year before their commitment.Jul 1, 2019
Does Massachusetts have the Baker Act?
Massachusetts is one of only three states that do not authorize involuntary treatment in the community, often called assisted outpatient treatment (AOT)". You can find the Massachusetts civil commitment law, here.
What happens when someone is sectioned in Massachusetts?
What is Section 35? Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 123, Section 35 permits the courts to involuntarily commit someone who has an alcohol or substance use disorder and there is a likelihood of serious harm as a result of his/her alcohol or substance use.
What is the criteria for sectioning someone?
You should only be sectioned if: you need to be assessed or treated for your mental health problem. your health would be at risk of getting worse if you did not get treatment. your safety or someone else's safety would be at risk if you did not get treatment.
Can I get a family member sectioned?
Yes. A family member called your nearest relative has certain legal rights related to your sectioning.
What are the consequences of being sectioned?
What happens when you're sectioned? In most cases, you will be admitted to hospital very soon after your assessment (for most sections, it legally needs to be within 14 days). This will normally be by ambulance. Once there, you will have your rights explained to you and will be given a copy to keep.Jan 12, 2021
What is a Section 12 in MA?
What is a Section 12? In Massachusetts, Section 12 of Chapter 123 of the Massachusetts General Laws controls the admission of an individual to a general or psychiatric hospital for psychiatric evaluation and, potentially, treatment.
What is a Section 21 in Massachusetts?
Section 21. Any person who transports a mentally ill person to or from a facility for any purpose authorized under this chapter shall not use any restraint which is unnecessary for the safety of the person being transported or other persons likely to come in contact with him.
How do you get Section 12 approved?
Doctors applying for section 12 re-approval All Doctors applying for re-approval must - attend a one day validated s12 refresher course within 12 months prior to application , complete an application form without error and in full, submit with evidence of up to date CPD, full CV, photo and refresher course certificate.
What is a Section 3 mental health?
Section 3 allows for a person to be admitted to hospital for treatment if their mental disorder is of a nature and/or degree that requires treatment in hospital. In addition, it must be necessary for their health, their safety or for the protection of other people that they receive treatment in hospital.
What is a Section 12 approved doctor?
A registered medical practitioner who is approved to give one of the medical recommendations required for the compulsory admission of a patient to hospital under the Mental Health Act 1983. To be approved under section 12 a doctor must have special experience in the treatment of diagnosis of mental disorder.