Who can initiate a 5150 hold?

• A. A county-designated person
• B. Any licensed clinician
• C. A designated school administrator
• D. A family court judge

Answer: (A)

Initiating a 5150 hold is something that only someone authorized by the county can do. A county-designated person has been specifically designated to assess and sign 5150 holds when the person meets the criteria of being a danger to self or others, or gravely disabled due to mental illness. This designation ensures the decision comes from a professional with the proper training and authority to act quickly and appropriately. A licensed clinician who isn’t county-designated doesn’t automatically have that authority, a designated school administrator doesn’t have this power, and a family court judge does not initiate a 5150 hold. So, the county-designated person is the correct option.