Legal Question in Civil Rights Law in Missouri

How long can a patient be held in a hospital for attempting suicide in the state of Missouri. A police report was written. She signed herself in.


Asked on 8/12/10, 12:49 pm

1 Answer from Attorneys

Anthony Smith LawSmith

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.

Good luck

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Answered on 8/17/10, 2:18 pm


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