Posted by iris2 on December 23, 2004, at 17:18:54
In reply to Involuntary 'treatment'.... to Irene and everyone!, posted by ed_uk on December 23, 2004, at 15:59:06
I cannot remember exactly what it is but I used to be very involved in mental health advocacy and helped write and was the impetus to post the patients rights in county institutions. I can always remember being satisfied with the current law, it was that people and doctors always lied and went around the law For instance one time my family wanted to commit me. They did. I was bewildered because they had no reason to be able to do it. I asked them repeatedly how they were able to commit me. They finally told me they had gone to the county courthouse and been blatantly told to lie to get me committed. I have had similar things occur in hospitals. I was not a danger to myself or to anyone nor had I acted or talked in such a way. So it really matters not what the laws say because when you are labeled "mentally ill" you have no rights!
If I remember correctly doctors have to prove that you are a danger to yourself or others IF I recall the same must apply to anyone else. I once wanted to commit a friend and was told that if I did not hear her say she was a danger to herself or others I could not so I had her son do it whom she had told she wanted to die. I found it strange as her actions belied that she was a danger so I think the interpretation of the legislation depends on who is interpreting it. I guess all in all I would have to say that the legislation needs to be much more specific so that it cannot be so easily circumvented and or misinterpreted.
irene
BTW What is your particular interest?
irene
poster:iris2
thread:433249
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20041223/msgs/433468.html