Implied Consent in Treating Psychiatric Emergencies

Abstract

Keywords: involuntary treatment, involuntary commitment, psychiatry and the law, patient autonomy, psychiatric policy A significant percentage of psychiatric emergencies occur outside the psychiatric inpatient unit (1), such as in emergency rooms, outpatient clinics, and on medical floors. The existing literature on the legal, ethical, and practical considerations of compulsory treatment in psychiatric emergency is limited. The purpose of this article is to review the relevant legal and ethical background of treatment over objection in the United States of America, define the term "psychiatric emergency, " examine the legal and ethical bases for physicians to act in these situations, and suggest further areas for thought and research. It is our hope that the legal underpinnings of involuntary treatment in the United States, as well as consideration of the relevant ethical issues, will allow lawmakers and providers to create the ideal framework for involuntary treatment outside of inpatient units, wherever they live.

The Exercise of Public Health Powers in Mental Healthcare - The Impact on Public Safety

“…Jāsaka, ka vēl nesenā pagātnē tieši no psihiatriem tika sagaidīta valstiska rīcība saskaņā ar parens patriae principu, ar nolūku garantēt sabiedrības un pašu slimnieku drošību, neprasot informēto piekrišanu un nepieciešamības gadījumā pielietojot piespiedu intervences (Becker & Forman, 2020). Toties mūsdienās neatliekamā psihiatriskā palīdzība ir vienīgais izņēmums no vispārējā medicīnā pieņemtās t.s.…”