California Law (Last Updated: March 4, 2014) |
Welfare and Institutions Code - WIC |
Division 5. COMMUNITY MENTAL HEALTH SERVICES |
Part 1. THE LANTERMAN-PETRIS-SHORT ACT |
Chapter 2. Involuntary Treatment |
ARTICLE 1.5. Detention of Inebriates for Evaluation and Treatment |
Section 5171.
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If the facility for 72-hour treatment and evaluation of inebriates admits the person, it may detain him for evaluation and detoxification treatment, and such other treatment as may be indicated, for a period not to exceed 72 hours. Saturdays, Sundays and holidays shall be included for the purpose of calculating the 72-hour period. However, a person may voluntarily remain in such facility for more than 72 hours if the professional person in charge of the facility determines the person is in need of and may benefit from further treatment and care, provided any person who is taken or caused to be taken to the facility shall have priority for available treatment and care over a person who has voluntarily remained in a facility for more than 72 hours.
If in the judgment of the professional person in charge of the facility providing evaluation and treatment, the person can be properly served without being detained, he shall be provided evaluation, detoxification treatment or other treatment, crisis intervention, or other inpatient or outpatient services on a voluntary basis.