What happens if you leave an Idaho State mental hospital w/out permission and you've been placed on a "hold"?

Question

My friend voluntarily checked into a hospital with symptoms of depression and had suicidal thoughts, therefore, he was place on a "hold". He was in this hospital for 5 weeks and felt better than ever. He was then transfered to Blackfoot State Hospital in Idaho and has been there for a week. He's not seen a Dr. nor has he been evaluated. The place is extremely dangerous as well as full of extremely ill patients. He wants to leave but we don't know what type of crime this would be or what his rights are. Also, we would like to know what type of Attorney would handle a case such as this. The irony of it all is that he himself is a Psychologist.

Answer 1

A "hold" is only for the first 72 hours, beyond that he has to be committed to hold him against his will. As a volunteer admission he can go AMA whenever he pleases, but his insurance probably won't pay the bill.

Answer 2

I don't believe it.

If he is a psychologist, then he knows his rights in this regard, and he also knows who to talk to in a hospital and how to talk to them.

And he certainly knows other psychologists or mental health professionals on the outside who could advise him and advocate for him if need be.

Are you *sure* he is a psychologist? How do you really know that? maybe part of his illness is pretending to be one, and the stress of maintaining false appearances got to be too much.

Answer 3

Haven't you heard of patient's rights ? This agency helps those that are mentally impared with their legal situations.

Answer 4

might start here

http://www.psychlaws.org/stateactivity/Idaho.htm

check local attnys, some dont charge a consult. fee