Understanding Your Rights

Navigating mental health care can be a complex and confusing process, filled with many decisions that can often be stressful.

Understanding the legal process and rights involved in a voluntary or an involuntary admission to a psychiatric hospital is crucial. We want to empower you with clarity, explain the treatment process and ensure you are fully informed every step of the way.

Voluntary admission to an inpatient psychiatric hospital

Definition: You willingly seek treatment and request to be admitted to an inpatient psychiatric hospital.
Process: You will meet with a clinician to discuss admission circumstances. Once the decision is made that an inpatient hospitalization is the best option, you’ll get voluntary legal paperwork to review and sign. This is legal document is a voluntary form (1009 – application for voluntary status).

If you are admitted to an inpatient unit, it is important for you to understand your legal rights as a voluntarily admitted person. These rights are outlined on the 1011 legal form.

The process to request discharge in a psychiatric hospital is different from a medical hospital. It is important if you are admitted to an inpatient unit that you are aware of these differences.

As the patient, you can request discharge at any time.

Once the request is made, timelines are outlined on the 1011 legal form. These timelines give the inpatient team an evaluation period to confirm your safety prior to discharge. If the team determines that you are a risk to harm yourself or others, a petition (1021) will be filed with the local probate court to determine legal status.

You’ll be given a copy of the 1011 when admitted or if transferred to a voluntary status after arriving on a 1013, you will be provided with both a 1011 form and a 1012 form when admitted for hospitalization.

After you ask for a discharge, the request must be put in writing. Staff will help you with a written request within 24 hours. They will provide you with a form to fill out (Form 1010).

Staff must deliver your request to the medical director of psychiatric services or a designee within 24 hours (excluding Saturdays, Sundays and legal holidays). Within 72 hours (excluding Sundays and legal holidays) after the medical director of psychiatric services or designee receives your written request, you will be discharged unless the medical director of psychiatric services or designee finds that your discharge would be unsafe to you or to others.

If you are not discharged, the process for involuntary hospitalization begins. If this happens, you will be advised of your rights.

The 1009 and 1011 legal documents are paired together and are required to be completed prior to you or any individual being admitted to an inpatient psychiatric hospital in the state of Georgia.

Involuntary admission to an inpatient psychiatric facility

Definition: You are referred to an inpatient psychiatric hospital due to imminent risk of self-harm or harm to others. You have recently seen a physician who decided you are of imminent risk to yourself or others. You may have been referred by a healthcare provider issuing a legal hold.
Process: A 1013 hold is initiated, allowing a psychiatric evaluation within 48 hours. If further involuntary care is needed, a 1014 can extend the stay up to five business days. During this evaluation period, you may discuss with your provider transferring to a voluntary status (1012). They will discuss this option with you and help with documentation. A 1021 — only initiated if a patient remains at risk and refuses to seek voluntary admission — can lead to a court hearing for up to a six-month stay if needed.

Understanding these forms and processes empowers you and your loved ones to navigate the mental healthcare system effectively. If you have questions, the healthcare team is ready to offer support and guidance.

Admission Forms

Voluntary admission forms

Form 1009 - Voluntary Admission

Purpose: Allows you to admit yourself for treatment willingly.
Process: Once this form is signed, if you decide you wish to leave, you must submit a written request for discharge. The attending psychiatrist will then have a 72-hour period (excluding Sundays and legal holidays) to assess whether it is safe for you to be discharged or move towards an involuntary status if necessary for your safety.
Your Rights: You have the right to request discharge at any time, will be informed about the treatment and care plans and should understand that safety is a paramount concern.

Form 1010 - Request for Discharge (AMA)

Purpose: Allows you to formally request discharge against medical advice (AMA).
Key Information: Following the request, the psychiatrist has 72 hours to make a discharge decision based on a thorough evaluation of your health and safety.

Form 1011 - Notice of Right to Request Discharge

Purpose: This form is a reminder of your rights as a voluntary patient to ask for a discharge.
Important Detail: Any representative — including legal guardians, family members or lawyers — can request your discharge on your behalf at any time.

Form 1012 – Request for Voluntary Status Change

Purpose: Allows you to change your voluntary status based on changing needs.

Involuntary admission forms

Form 1013 - Committal for Mental Health Reasons

Purpose: Used when you are at imminent risk of harm to yourself or others or when you are cannot care for yourself due to mental health conditions.
Process: This form can be initiated by qualified healthcare professionals and holds you for up to 48 hours, allowing for an urgent evaluation. This timeframe includes weekends and holidays, emphasizing the seriousness and immediacy of the situation.

Form 1014 - Extended Involuntary Admission

Purpose: Extends your involuntary admission for an additional five days (excluding weekends and holidays) to facilitate further evaluation or treatment.
Action Required: Issuance of this form requires simultaneous initiation of Form 1015, alerting you to your right to contest the hold through a court hearing.

Form 1021 - Commitment Proceedings

Purpose: Initiates a more prolonged involuntary commitment process if necessary for your safety and health, up to six months.
Process: Requires judicial review, with hearings scheduled within seven to 10 days after filing. This form highlights the structured evaluation and treatment plan awaiting you, ensuring a comprehensive approach to your well-being.

Empathy and support in your journey

Understanding these procedures and the forms used is important, but knowing you're not alone through this process is also important. The decision to seek help is a brave step toward recovery, and being informed is vital in navigating your path to wellness.