For the second time in one month, Britney Spears is being held involuntarily on a 5150, (a psychiatric hold).
After almost 72 hours of no sleep, Britney paid a visit to her therapist, Deborah Nadel, yesterday as part of her ongoing treatment.
Thats when, sources tell X17online, it was first suggested that Britney seek more intense treatment. Britney refused. Around 8pm last night, Brit's therapist arrived at her house, and subsequently called in the 5150.
So just what is a 5150? It's Section 5150 of California's Welfare and Institutions Code that allows for a qualified officer or clinician to involuntarily confine a person deemed to be a danger to herself or others.
A police officer or a county clinician can request the confinement for up to 72 hours. Before the expiration of that time period, a psychiatrist must assess the client to see if they meet the criteria for hospitalization. The criteria are:
- danger to self
- danger to others
- gravely disabled
- mental disorder
If the patient meets the criteria, she may be offered voluntary admission into a mental facility but if she doesn't want to go, then another hold (a 5250) must be written.
Anyone can initiate a 5150 (doesn't have to be a family member), but the person is required to give "sufficient detailed information to support the belief that the person ... is in fact a danger to others, to herself, or gravely disabled ... as a result of a mental disorder." It does NOT require the initiator to provide evidence of behavioral symptoms of a mental disorder.
While held under a 5150 order, patients have all rights accorded to a voluntarily admitted client:
- humane care
- religious freedom and practice
- participate in publicly supported education
- be free from abuse or neglect
- refuse medications except in emergency situations where danger to life is present; or by court order where the patient is found to lack the capacity to give or refuse informed consent via either a Riese hearing or via conservatorship.
- wear their own clothes
- visitors
- writing materials (including sending mail though they may be charged for postage)
- safe storage and access to their personal property
- have access to private phone conversations (though may be responsible for toll charges)
- speak with a Patient's Rights Advocate
- go outside for exercise and leisure (usually in a fenced area)
- access their money in amounts for small purchases (vending machine, etc.)
- be free from discrimination
- refuse their picture taken for ID
Any person referred for further treatment after the initial 72 hour detention period, is NOT accepting treatment voluntarily, could be certified for intensive treatment OR appointed a guardian (usually a family member), or a conservator to take possession of the person's personal property and safeguard it on the premises occupied by the person.
The last time Britney was held against her will, she ended up staying at Cedars for only 36 hours, before being sprung by Adnan and escaping to Mexico.
This time, it's far more likely that Britney will be held at least for the entire 72, if not more, provided that her therapist and/or family can provide proof that she's a danger to herself or others.
We sincerely hope that Brit's finally getting the help she needs and that she's on the road to recovery!
> Britney's "Circus" Music Vid Is, Yup, SPECTACULAR!!! - Dec 02, 2008
> Brit's Boys in NYC to Support Their Mom! - Dec 02, 2008
> More Of Brit On GMA!! - Dec 02, 2008
> Brit's Parents Reunite To Celebrate Her B-Day! - Dec 02, 2008
