A policy analysis of involuntary psychiatric holds, Sections 5150 and 5250 of the Lanterman-Petris-Short Act, and issues surrounding criteria for civil commitment

The purpose of this policy analysis was to review and evaluate involuntary psychiatric holds, Sections 5150 and 5250 under the Lanterman-Petris-Short (LPS) Act. The analysis included historical accounts of treatment of the mentally ill population in state mental hospitals, as well as the evolution of the deinstitutionalization movement in the United States. Intended and unintended effects of the policy were weighed to understand its impact on multiple systems in the community. The analysis of the policy concluded that the policy was successful in the deinstitutionalization of mentally ill persons from indefinite commitment to state mental institutions. However, lack of adequate support through community-based mental health services led to multiple negative effects on the mentally ill population. Finally, implications of the policy and suggestions for improvements in current criteria for involuntary psychiatric holds were discussed, as well as the need for further research on effective community-based interventions for mentally ill persons.