Abstract
Involuntary civil commitment law has changed dramatically. From the 1960s to about 1980, the law emphasized patients' rights; since then, it has emphasized community security. This cycle of law reform is reviewed and analyzed in terms of its impact on mental health professionals.
MeSH terms
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Commitment of Mentally Ill / legislation & jurisprudence*
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Confidentiality / legislation & jurisprudence
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Delivery of Health Care / legislation & jurisprudence*
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Humans
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Judicial Role
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Lawyers
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Mental Disorders / rehabilitation*
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Mentally Ill Persons*
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Minors
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Patient Advocacy / legislation & jurisprudence
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Patient Rights
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Security Measures / legislation & jurisprudence
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Social Change
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Social Values
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United States