The speakers will present an overview of legal protections afforded to incarcerated mental health patients, and will delve deeper into the topics of involuntary medication and hospitalization, security of mental health records and other information, capacity v. competency, and the proper use and role of legal guardians. The aim is to expand participants’ understanding of the risks and best practices for correctional mental health care.

Learning Objectives

• Review federal and state laws governing involuntary medication and hospitalization
• Compare the role of physicians in determining capacity to the court's function of ruling on competency
• Explore when a healthcare guardian is needed and how to obtain one when no family members volunteer

Level

Intermediate