Grave disability explained

Grave disability or gravely disabled is a legal status used as a criterion in addition to danger to self or others ^[1] as the basis for involuntary commitment^[2] in only 9 of 50 states of the United States.^[3] It is not a criterion in Washington, D.C.

In California,^[4] it is defined as "a condition in which a person, as a result of a mental health disorder," ...(or impairment by chronic alcoholism)..., "is unable to provide for his or her basic personal needs for food, clothing, or shelter."^{[5] [6]}

Some states such as Louisiana also include substance-related or addictive disorders and add medical care to needs.^[7]

It may also be used in certain defined violent felony cases for mental incompetence.^[5]

Notes and References

1. https://www.treatmentadvocacycenter.org/component/content/article/180-fixing-the-system/2275-emergency-hospitalization-for-evaluation Emergency Hospitalization for Evaluation
2. https://mentalillnesspolicy.org/national-studies/state-standards-involuntary-treatment.html Standards for Involuntary Commitment (Assisted Treatment) State-by-State
3. Hedman LC et al (2016) State Laws on Emergency Holds for Mental Health Stabilization. Psychiatric Services 67(5): 529–535;
4. http://www.disabilityrightsca.org/pubs/508301.pdf Summary of Grave Disability Criteria
5. https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/codes_displaySection.xhtml?lawCode=WIC&sectionNum=5008 California Welfare and Institutions Code, Section 5008 (h) definition of gravely disabled
6. http://www.jfssd.org/site/DocServer/Definition_of_Grave_Disability.pdf?docID=2861 Grave Disability, Jewish Family Service
7. http://www.legis.la.gov/legis/Law.aspx?d=85112 RS 28:2(13) definitions