My family attempted to have me admitted to the local hospital claiming that I was "suicidal" and insane. They called the police and attempted to have me taken to the hospital against my will, was this course of action legal for my family to attempt?
(I was released after only a few hours, they determined that I was absolutely fine in no time at all)
2007-12-29 14:28:22 · 8 answers · asked by Joshua 2 in Politics & Government ➔ Law & Ethics
You didn’t state your age so if you are under 18 then yes they can, if you are over 18 they have to call the police claim you’re a danger to yourself or others, the police will then take you to a hospital for observation, which sound like what they did. The doctors will have so many hours (48 to 96 depending on where you live) to observe you and determine if you are a danger to yourself or others, if you’re not then they have to release you.
Personally if it were me, I’d get a no contact order from a judge. Then I wouldn't give them a second thought, no contact, no postcards, nothing. Then if they did contract me, I’d have them arrested. But then again I don’t like people messing around with my life.
2007-12-29 14:55:17 · answer #1 · answered by Richard 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
If you have a guardian (including parents if you are under the age of majority) you can be forced to do pretty much anything unless you sue in court to have it stopped. If you are your own guardian then no. Your family has absolutely no more legal control over you than a random infant. The doctors, on the other hand, do have the legal ability to '96' you. This means that if they think you are as danger to yourself or others they can hold you for 96 hours. After that period you are free for, I think, a full year before they can do it again. The catch there though is that you must first agree to see the doctor for the doctor to determine that you are a threat. Either that, or you need to be under arresst for a crime.
2007-12-29 22:41:17 · answer #2 · answered by Colt & Tegan 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
In most states, a person can be admitted to the hospital, against their will for 72 hours, if that person is feared to be a danger to themselves or others. In those 3 days, the person will be evaluated and treatment (if necessary) will be begun. Assuming they truly believed you were suicidal, what they did was completely legal.
2007-12-29 22:54:40 · answer #3 · answered by sassy sarah 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The process varies from State to State, but, in every State, there is some formal process whereby a family member can be "sectioned" into a psychiatric facility for evaluation against their will.
Even if the facility finds that you're not a "danger to yourself or others", that doesn't mean that your family were wrong in fearing for you.
Richard
2007-12-29 23:04:12 · answer #4 · answered by rickinnocal 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
the same exact thing happened to me. my parents called the police and they took me to the hospital even though i was completely against the idea. yea once i was there i had to pretty much do everything that they told me to do, and i wasn't allowed out of anybody's sight. they told me i should sign this paper and i would be admitted to the hospital for four more days, and i didnt want that to happen, finally they concluded that there was nothing wrong with me, but the whole experience sucked, because it felt as if i had no control over any of it.
2007-12-29 22:39:26 · answer #5 · answered by kaitlynrose[tc] 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Yep there are many laws that allow this, bakers law for example.
I highly doubt your family is out to get you. Instead I would suggest you stop and try to think "why are they desperate to seek help for you?"
You may not be suicidal, or insane. .....but are you doing other things that may be scaring them?
I've thought maybe times to try to get my brother admitted, he's deep into cocaine, and has OD a few times, luckily hes made it.
WAS THIS A LAST EFFORT ATTEMPT FOR YOUR FAMILY????
If so try to put yourself in their shoes and be compastionate and realize why they would do this. It's hard to watch someone you love hurt themselves and slowly kill themselevs and have no control.
2007-12-29 22:59:51 · answer #6 · answered by Kellyn25 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You have the right to refuse medical treatment. However, if you are not of sound mind(able to make a rational judgement) then, yes, they can.
Appreciate that you have someone cares.
2007-12-29 22:39:29 · answer #7 · answered by something 3 · 2⤊ 0⤋
They can if you was mental unstable but you can tell them that you dont wanna go.
2007-12-29 22:33:05 · answer #8 · answered by Rickey S 1 · 0⤊ 1⤋