Law and the delivery of involuntary mental health services

Am J Orthopsychiatry. 1994 Apr;64(2):209-22. doi: 10.1037/h0079525.

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.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Commitment of Mentally Ill / legislation & jurisprudence*
  • Confidentiality / legislation & jurisprudence
  • Delivery of Health Care / legislation & jurisprudence*
  • Humans
  • Judicial Role
  • Lawyers
  • Mental Disorders / rehabilitation*
  • Mentally Ill Persons*
  • Minors
  • Patient Advocacy / legislation & jurisprudence
  • Patient Rights
  • Security Measures / legislation & jurisprudence
  • Social Change
  • Social Values
  • United States