Legal Question in Medical Leave in Washington

committing someone against their will

A friend of mine's son has mental issues. She's tried having him committed to a mental health facility, but they say he is compentant enough to make that decision himself. Which wouldn't be a problem is he hadn't stopped taking his medication and the fact he is an IV drug user who has given himself a staph infection that is killing him. The hospital in our area refuses to have him admitted because staph is contagious and sent him home with antibiotics, which we are sure he isn't taking because his staph is getting worse -- he literally smells like death. What can we do to have him committed somewhere to get him the help he needs?


Asked on 3/12/09, 8:13 pm

1 Answer from Attorneys
James J. White, attorney Law Offices of Smith & White, PLLC

Re: committing someone against their will

Try the mental health facility again. He may have been competent before, while on his meds, but no longer be competent. The standard is whether he is "a danger to himself or others." Sounds like he's clearly a danger to himself.

At your service,

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Answered on 3/12/09, 8:20 pm


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