Everything You Need to Know About Involuntary Holds in Idaho

What Exactly is an Involuntary Hold?

An involuntary hold allows someone in a mental health crisis to be admitted for evaluation and treatment without consent, usually for safety reasons. It often involves individuals with substance use issues who may pose a danger to themselves or others. Though the process can be distressing, it's meant to protect the person. This document explores often-overlooked aspects of involuntary holds.

Important Information that Families Should Remember:

As much as there is a lot of legal and medical information for family members to keep in mind when navigating this process, there is also a heavy mental toll that this process can take on family members. That being so, it is important to keep a few things in mind during this tiring process:

• Stay Connected: Keep communication open with the individual and remind them they have support.

• Seek Support: The process can be intense—families should consider therapy or support groups to cope.

• Be Informed: Have key info about the individual ready and understand your rights as well as theirs.

What are the types of Involuntary Hold in Idaho?

1. 24-Hour Hold

A 24-hour hold is a temporary measure initiated by a medical professional to assess a person's mental state and determine if further treatment is needed. It is used when someone appears to be a danger to themselves or others, or is severely impaired by a mental health condition. After 24 hours, the individual is either released with a treatment plan or transferred to a long-term facility if necessary.

1. 72-Hour Hold

​​This hold differs from the 24-hour hold in that the individual has already been diagnosed as unable to make decisions for their own well-being. It provides a controlled environment for stabilization and treatment, often involving medication or therapy. The patient undergoes a full evaluation by multiple professionals. Afterward, they may be released, agree to voluntary treatment, be placed on a longer hold, or be referred for conservatorship.

What are Key Terms and Definitions?

In general, healthcare often includes big terms that can often make an individual feel little and less knowledgeable. In the case of Involuntary Hold, some terms can seem to have an unclear and vague definition. Below is a list of terms and definitions of terms that can have a vague definition, but are clearly defined here. 

1. Gravely Disabled

   This term refers to someone unable to care for their basic needs, such as food, clothing, or shelter, and unwilling to follow treatment that could improve their condition.

2. A Designated Examiner

   This term refers to a certified mental health professional in Idaho who is experienced with mental health conditions and the state’s care system.

3. Mentally Ill

   “Mentally ill” refers to someone with serious issues in thinking, feeling, or understanding, making it difficult to make decisions or distinguish reality. They require hospital or outpatient care.

4. Imminent Danger

   This term often refers to whether someone poses an immediate risk to themselves or others. In Idaho, doctors generally won’t place a hold on someone who is intoxicated—unless they are also considered gravely disabled.

Are You Aware of Your Rights?

Individuals on involuntary hold in Idaho have key rights. Families should stay informed and seek help from a lawyer, the Idaho Department of Health and Welfare, or a local NAMI chapter.

Individual Rights in Idaho, concerning Involuntary Hold:

1. Specific Legal Rights

   These specific legal rights include ensuring that the individual has a hearing for their case, be represented by an attorney of their choice, be present, and have the opportunity to testify at the hearing. 

2. Family and Personal Rights

   These kinds of rights include the individual having the right to wear their own clothes, use their own toiletries, communicate with family and loved ones, refuse a specific type of treatment, and move to a less restrictive environment. 

Family Rights in Idaho, concerning Involuntary Hold: 

1. Specific Legal Rights

   These rights include being notified about the patient's whereabouts if they are committed for a hold, to testify and appear at hearings, and to provide extra information about an individual's mental state, and convince the patient to let their medical records be public to family and loved ones. 

2. Family Rights

   Family rights include items like seeking own mental support, being an advocate for their loved ones, and (with consent) participating in the patient's treatment plan. 

Conclusion

The main point is that, though the process is tough, support groups and resources are available to help families. It’s also crucial to stay informed about your loved one’s location and treatment progress.