Legal Question in Civil Rights Law in Missouri

Generally, a hospital may hold a patient for twenty hours if the physician believes she is a danger to herself or others. The doctor may also apply for a 72 hr hold without the need for a hearing. Beyond that, the doctor would have to apply to the Probate Court and an Order rendered (after the patient has an opprotunity to apepr and defend) for the facility to hold the paitient against her expressed desire to leave. If the patient voluntarily checks in, and does not try to leave, then the length of stay is ussually more an insurance issue then a legal question.

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