Nursing Legal/Baker Act

an impairment of the mental/emotional processes that exercise control of one's actions, or the ability to perceive reality.

-shows sign of mental illness
-considered suitable for tx AND
-signs voluntary admission paper OR
-guardian signs in the minor

-person may be held for up to 72 hours against will for psych eval:
-must have refused voluntary admission AND
-without care is likely to suffer neglect or refuse to care for himself, and neglect poses substantial harm as evidenced by recent bx

1. police officer
2. court order for ex parte(judge)
3. mental health professional
-physician, psych nurse, clinical social worker, or clinical psychologist

-effective for 72 hours.
-pt must be examined and evaluated within first 24 hours.

when the nearest receiving center is private, the center has the right to refuse tx if pt cannot pay

a mentally ill pt arrested for felony who meets guidelines for involuntary admission shall be processed by law as any other criminal