Involuntary Hospitalization
There are two types of emergency hospitalizations. There is a section 12 which pertains to mental health and a section 35 which involves addiction.
Section 12 – Mental Health Hospitalization
A Section 12 can be issued by: Licensed Physician or Nurse Practitioner (GL. Ch 112 §80i) Qualified (i.e. Licensed) Psychologist, Qualified (i.e. Licensed and Certified) Psychiatric Nurse Mental Health Clinical Specialist, Police Officer , or a Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker (LICSW).
The requirements for an issuance of a Section 12 are:
(A) Mental Illness: For purposes of admission to an inpatient facility under Section 12, “Mental Illness” means a substantial disorder of thought, mood, perception, orientation, or memory which grossly impairs judgment, behavior, capacity to recognize reality or ability to meet the ordinary demands of life. Symptoms caused solely by alcohol or drug intake, organic brain damage or intellectual disability does not constitute a serious mental illness.
(B) Likelihood of Serious Harm:
(1) Substantial risk of physical harm to the person himself/herself as manifested by evidence of threats of, or attempts at suicide or serious bodily harm; and/or
(2) Substantial risk of physical harm to other persons as manifested by evidence of homicidal or other violent behavior or evidence that others are placed in reasonable fear of violent behavior and serious physical harm to them; and/or
(3) Very substantial risk of physical impairment or injury to the person himself/herself as manifested by evidence that such person’s judgment is so affected that he/she is unable to protect themselves
I know someone who is going to hurt themselves what do I do?
Call 911. The police and fire department will arrive and assess the situation. If necessary an Officer can issue a section 12 to force a person to receive the help they need at the hospital. Our goal is to get a person in need to a hospital.
Section 35 – Addiction Hospitalization
The following people can apply for involuntary hospitalization of someone suffering from an addiction: A spouse, blood relative, or guardian, police officer, physician, or court official. This is done by going to the Plymouth District Court located at 52 Obery Street, Plymouth, MA 02360. Monday - Friday 9am-4pm.