Which statement about initiating a 5150 hold is true?

• A. They can be initiated by any person
• B. Only police may initiate
• C. They require a judicial order
• D. They can be initiated by a county-designated person for up to 72 hours

Answer: (D)

A 5150 hold is an involuntary 72-hour hold for evaluation and treatment when a person with a mental disorder is a danger to themselves or others, or gravely disabled. This authority isn’t limited to police; a county-designated person who has been authorized by the county can initiate the hold. The key point is that the hold can be started by a county-designated professional for up to 72 hours. It does not require a judicial order to begin, and it’s not correct to say that only police can initiate it. The 72-hour period is the initial window for evaluation, after which longer detention requires separate procedures.