Outpatient commitment
Outpatient commitment (pronounced: out-pey-shuhnt kuh-mit-muhnt) is a legal procedure in many jurisdictions, typically in the field of mental health, that can compel a person diagnosed with a mental illness to comply with treatment while living in the community.
Etymology
The term "outpatient" originates from the English language, where "out" refers to not being in a particular place, and "patient" refers to a person receiving or registered to receive medical treatment. "Commitment" also originates from English, meaning the state or quality of being dedicated to a cause or activity.
Related Terms
- Involuntary commitment: A legal process through which an individual with symptoms of severe mental illness is court-ordered into treatment in a hospital (inpatient) or in the community (outpatient).
- Mental health: The level of psychological well-being or an absence of mental illness.
- Community treatment order: A legal order that requires a person with a serious mental illness to receive treatment for that illness.
- Psychiatry: The branch of medicine focused on the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of mental, emotional, and behavioral disorders.
Overview
Outpatient commitment—also known as Assisted Outpatient Treatment (AOT) or a Community Treatment Order (CTO)—is a civil procedure whereby a judge orders a qualifying person with a mental illness to adhere to a mental health treatment plan while living in the community. The treatment plan typically includes medication and psychiatric counseling. If the patient refuses to comply with the treatment plan, they can be committed to a hospital for involuntary treatment.
Legislation
Outpatient commitment laws vary widely from one jurisdiction to another. In some jurisdictions, outpatient commitment is used as a less restrictive alternative to involuntary commitment. In others, it is used as a form of "step-down" care for individuals transitioning from a hospital setting to the community.
Criticism and Support
Outpatient commitment has been the subject of much debate. Critics argue that it infringes on individual rights and that it is not effective in reducing hospitalization or improving quality of life. Supporters argue that it is a necessary tool for ensuring that individuals with severe mental illness receive the treatment they need.
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Outpatient commitment
- Wikipedia's article - Outpatient commitment
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