VOLUNTARY ANDINVOLUNTARY COMMITMENT IN MARYLAND

  Introduction. According to research, 20 percent of children and adolescents have mental health disorders in the United States of America( Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 2019). Research substantiates that of the 20 percent with mental health problems only 25 percent get assessed, diagnosed and treated for their condition. It is therefore important for mental health providers to educate the public so that early assessment, diagnosis and treatment can be done to ensure a brighter future for the child or adolescents affected by mental illness. Early assessment diagnosis and treatment can lead to better treatment outcome. The goal of this discussion is to review the information provided in week 7 case study and determine if voluntary and involuntary admission will be warranted, guidance being provided by the prevailing laws in the State of Maryland. The State of Maryland In the state of Maryland an adolescent who is 16 years of age can give consent for treatment. [ Md, code ann.,Health-gen.11&20-104(a)]In the State ofMaryland a 16 year old can consent for treatment or equally refused treatment for mental illness with or without parental or guardian consent for treatment. The laws also allow for an emergency petition to be filled for patients who meet certain criteria.. Once this criteria is met the person or adolescent will be transported usually the police to the nearest Emergency room where a crisis intervention worker usually a social worker will interview them, a psychiatric evaluation is done and if the patient meets criterial for admission, two things will happen, they can sign consent for admission if they are 16 years and over or in case of minor or children the parents or guardian