Riese hearing: When can the patient be medicated against their will?

• A. Always; medication can be administered before the hearing if necessary
• B. Never; medication cannot be given under any circumstances
• C. Only in an emergency
• D. After the hearing only if ordered by the judge

Answer: (C)

Involuntary medication is tightly controlled by Riese: patients generally have the right to refuse treatment, and a formal process is needed to enforce treatment against their will. The only time you can medicate without a prior hearing is in an emergency. In an emergency, if there is imminent danger to the patient or others or the patient cannot participate in decision-making, necessary medication may be given right away to prevent serious harm. After stabilization, a Riese hearing must occur to determine whether involuntary treatment will continue, with a judge’s order if it does. Outside emergencies, you can’t medicate against the patient’s will until that hearing and order are in place.