Under involuntary treatment, when is it appropriate to administer treatment?

• A. Whenever a patient requests involuntary treatment.
• B. When authorized by a physician or licensed clinician based on danger or grave disability and lack of capacity to consent.
• C. Only for substance abuse treatment.
• D. Only when a judge orders it.

Answer: (B)

Involuntary treatment is appropriate when a person with a mental disorder cannot make informed decisions and is a danger to themselves or others, or gravely disabled and unable to meet basic needs. A physician or licensed clinician must evaluate and determine that danger or grave disability exists and that there is a lack of capacity to consent. Based on that assessment, they can authorize treatment even without the patient’s consent. It is not triggered by a request for involuntary treatment, it is not limited to substance abuse, and it does not require a judge’s order to begin; court involvement may come later for longer holds or review.