Involuntary commitment

"The ladder to the nut rag started at 72 hours. It was called a 5150, which meant the person could not leave the hospital legally for three days. If they were gravely disabled, a danger to others or a danger to self they were dropped off at the psych ER then brought up to the acute psych ward. After those 72 hours the patient could go, unless they still met one of the three pillars of incarceration. Then they could be put on a 14-day hold. Then a 30 day, then a full blown conservatorship. After the initial 72 hour hold the remaining steps were deciphered in front of a judge based on a good day a bad day, a poor response to meds forced upon you or a shitty roommate that caused you to piss on the floor. How you presented yourself that day, what kind of liberal or conservative judge you had, what the doctor happened to say about you that specific fragment of time all determined the slow rise to hell."

-From Inside the Insane


Often the first step in getting a conservatorship is involuntary commitment in a hospital.  This is difficult to do when the patient does not want treatment of refuses it.  California law has several safeguards so that the patient does not injure themselves or others.

Involuntary treatment begins with a 72 hour hold that may extend for another 14 days and then 30 days if the patient poses a danger to self, others, and or is gravely disabled.

A 5150 or a 72 hour hold occurs when a psychiatrist or law enforcement agent deems a person to be a danger to themselves, others, and or gravely disabled .  If the doctor believes that the patient is in need of further treatment, he may place them on a 14 day hold.  

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Danger to Self 
If a patient makes a threat to kill or harm themselves, they are considered a danger to self.  This is one of the criteria for a 5150 hold.  If they demonstrate a viable plan for suicide or desire to harm self, they may be detained under a 5150. 
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Danger to Others
If the patient shows a plan to harm another person, they are considered a danger to others.  This includes any homicidal ideation or plans to cause bodily harm. The patient can also be detained for threatening others.
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Gravely Disabled
If the patient is unable to manage their food, clothing, or shelter, then they are considered gravely disabled.  Grave disability is the only criteria for a 5350 and a 5275. Usually someone is detained for GD and some other criteria. 
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