MH Commitment Information in PA

This information is compliments of Armstrong Indiana Behavioral Developmental Health Program

Armstrong-Indiana BDHP Responsiveness to Requests for Emergency

Commitments and Mental Health Court Procedures.

It is common and expected that citizens and agencies have concerns specific to the involuntary treatment process.

In general, the concerned party needs to be aware that the Behavioral and Developmental Health Program adheres to the Mental Health Procedures Act of 1976.  https://www.legis.state.pa.us/WU01/LI/LI/US/HTM/1976/0/0143..HTM

This is a civil legislation that allows for involuntary procedures when it is determined that a clear and present danger exists due to a mental disability.

A “due process” exists throughout the implementation of the law.  Some of the requirements include a petitioner, the establishment of a warrant, and physician’s evaluation.  For the complete document: http://www.pacode.com/secure/data/055/chapter5100/chap5100toc.html 

Therefore, the BDHP Mental Health Administrator’s office accepts calls from the general public and agencies via our 24-hour crisis line at 1-877-333-2470.

The 201 Voluntary Sign-In Process

The 201 voluntary sign-in process is the preferred procedure for all ages 14 years or older. 

A parent or legal guardian has the sign-in authority for a dependent child up to but not including 18 years of age with the signature of the evaluating physician or treating psychiatrist at an approved adolescent or age appropriate adult facility.

 If the involuntary procedure is necessary the caller must have a 302

petition completed with the assistance of the mobile crisis worker who

will be dispatched to the scene by the above crisis service. 

The petition can also be accessed by the local county hospital emergency

departments in Armstrong or Indiana Counties for the warrant to be

approved, per adequate criteria under the PA Mental Health Law.

The 302 Procedure

The 302 procedure may include up to five days of involuntary commitment to a hospital allowing for inpatient treatment.

 A-I BDHP facilitates the 303,304, 305 or 306 hearing extension

process.  Our program schedules the mental health review officers and

attorneys representing consumers at all facilities in Armstrong or

Indiana Counties.

 A-I BDHP processes the Act 77 form,

also known as the “Notification of Mental Health Commitment”

to the Pennsylvania State Police under Title 18 Crime Code Sect. 6105(c)(4).

A-I BDHP interacts with all counties in the Commonwealth where our consumers have been transferred for appropriate treatment. 

The Mental Health Procedures Act is adhered to in all situations.

A-I BDHP monitors all inpatient and outpatient commitments to encourage treatment in the least restrictive setting.

Mental Health Involuntary Commitment Procedures Section Definitions

Section 302: Inpatient treatment up to 5 days.

Section 303: Inpatient or outpatient treatment up to 20 days.

Section 304: Inpatient or outpatient treatment up to 90 days.

Section 305: Inpatient or outpatient treatment up to 180 days.

Section 306: Can be used to convert involuntary inpatient commitment to involuntary outpatient or if on involuntary outpatient and decompensating, to inpatient.