Explain your state laws (Texas) for involuntary psychiatric holds for child and adult psychiatric emergencies. Include who can hold a patient and for how long, who can release the emergency hold, and who can pick up the patient after a hold is released.
Explain the differences among emergency hospitalization for evaluation/psychiatric hold, inpatient commitment, and outpatient commitment in your state.
Explain the difference between capacity and competency in mental health contexts.
Select one of the following topics, and explain one legal issue and one ethical issue related to this topic that may apply within the context of treating psychiatric emergencies: patient autonomy, EMTALA, confidentiality, HIPAA privacy rule, HIPAA security rule, protected information, legal gun ownership, career obstacles (security clearances/background checks), and payer source.
Identify one evidence-based suicide risk assessment that you could use to screen patients.
Identify one evidence-based violence risk assessment that you could use to screen patients.
Involuntary psychiatric
Full Answer Section
Who Can Pick Up the Patient After a Hold Is Released
The patient can be picked up by a family member, friend, or other responsible person. If there is no one to pick up the patient, they may be discharged to a homeless shelter or other social service agency.
Differences Among Emergency Hospitalization for Evaluation/Psychiatric Hold, Inpatient Commitment, and Outpatient Commitment
Emergency hospitalization for evaluation/psychiatric hold: This is a short-term involuntary commitment for individuals who are experiencing a psychiatric emergency and require immediate stabilization.
Inpatient commitment: This is a longer-term involuntary commitment for individuals who require more intensive treatment.
Outpatient commitment: This is a court-ordered treatment plan for individuals who do not require hospitalization but need to adhere to certain conditions to maintain their safety and well-being.
Difference Between Capacity and Competency in Mental Health Contexts
Capacity: The ability to understand and appreciate the consequences of a decision.
Competency: The ability to make a rational decision.
Legal and Ethical Issues Related to Psychiatric Emergencies
Patient Autonomy: Patients have the right to make their own decisions about their treatment, even if those decisions are not in their best interests. However, if a patient is found to be incompetent, their autonomy may be restricted in order to protect them from harm.
EMTALA: The Emergency Medical Treatment and Labor Act (EMTALA) requires hospitals to provide a medical screening examination to anyone who comes to their emergency department, regardless of their ability to pay. This includes patients who are experiencing a psychiatric emergency.
Confidentiality: Mental health professionals have a duty to keep their patients' information confidential. However, there are some exceptions to this rule, such as when the patient is a danger to themselves or others.
HIPAA Privacy Rule: The HIPAA Privacy Rule protects the privacy of patients' health information. However, there are some exceptions to this rule, such as when the patient's information is needed to prevent a serious threat to health or safety.
HIPAA Security Rule: The HIPAA Security Rule requires healthcare providers to protect the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of electronic protected health information (ePHI).
Protected Information: Protected information includes any information that can be used to identify a patient, such as their name, address, date of birth, and Social Security number. It also includes any information about a patient's health condition, medical treatment, and mental health history.
Legal Gun Ownership: Individuals with mental health conditions may be prohibited from owning firearms under federal law.
Career Obstacles (Security Clearances/Background Checks): Individuals with mental health conditions may be disqualified from obtaining certain security clearances or jobs that require background checks.
Payer Source: The payer source for psychiatric emergency services can vary depending on the patient's insurance coverage and the state in which they live. In some cases, the patient may be responsible for paying for the services out of pocket.
Evidence-Based Suicide Risk Assessment
The Columbia-Suicide Severity Rating Scale (C-SSRS) is a widely used evidence-based suicide risk assessment tool. It can be used to assess the risk of suicide in patients of all ages, including children and adults.
Evidence-Based Violence Risk Assessment
The HCR-20 is a widely used evidence-based violence risk assessment tool. It can be used to assess the risk of violence in patients of all ages, including children and adults.
I hope this information is helpful. Please let me know if you have any other questions.
Sample Answer
Texas Laws for Involuntary Psychiatric Holds for Child and Adult Psychiatric Emergencies
Who Can Hold a Patient
An involuntary psychiatric hold, also known as an emergency detention, can be initiated by a peace officer, physician, or licensed mental health professional.
How Long Can a Patient Be Held
The initial hold can last up to 48 hours. If the patient is still a danger to themselves or others after 48 hours, a physician can file a petition for a 14-day hold.
Who Can Release the Emergency Hold
The individual who initiated the hold, typically a peace officer, physician, or licensed mental health professional, can release the hold. The patient can also be released if they are no longer a danger to themselves or others.