Probable Cause is defined by which statement?

• A. A mere suspicion by a layperson
• B. A pre-existing diagnosis alone
• C. The presence of facts known to the authorized person that would lead a person of ordinary care and prudent to believe or entertain a strong suspicion, that person involuntarily detained under the LPS Act suffers from a mental disorder and is a danger to self, others or GD
• D. A clinical impression documented in medical records

Answer: (C)

Probable cause here means a fact-based, objective threshold used to justify an involuntary hold under the LPS Act. It requires information known to an authorized person that would lead a reasonable person to believe there is a strong suspicion that the person has a mental disorder and is a danger to self, others, or gravely disabled. This captures the need for current, credible evidence rather than guesswork or isolated impressions. The other options don’t fit because mere layperson suspicion, or a pre-existing diagnosis alone, or a single clinical impression in records does not by itself establish the present danger or inability to care for basic needs that the law requires for detention.