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HomeWelfare and Institutions CodeDiv. 5Pt. 1Ch. 2Art. 6§ 5301 Extended Mental Health Treatment

§ 5301 Extended Mental Health Treatment

Welfare and Institutions Code·California
AI Summary·Official Text·Key Terms·Related Statutes·References
AI SummaryVerified

§ 5301 Extended Mental Health Treatment

Key Takeaways

  • •If someone is in a mental health treatment facility and still seems dangerous, the doctors can ask a court to keep them longer (up to 180 more days).
  • •The doctors must write down why they think the person is still dangerous, with real examples of their behavior.
  • •The person has the right to see the petition and the reasons why the doctors want to keep them longer.
  • •If the person’s lawyer calls the doctor to court, the court case might be delayed.

Example

A person is in a mental health facility for 14 days because they threatened to hurt someone. The doctors see that the person is still acting violently and think they might hurt others if released.

The doctors can write a petition to the court explaining why the person should stay longer for treatment. They must give real examples, like if the person tried to hit someone while in the facility. The person will get a copy of this petition and can challenge it in court.

AI-generated — May contain errors. Not legal advice. Always verify source.

Official Source
View on CA.gov

§ 5301 Extended Mental Health Treatment

(a) At any time during the 14-day intensive treatment period the professional person in charge of the licensed health facility, or his or her designee, may ask the public officer required by Section 5114 to present evidence at proceedings under this article to petition the superior court in the county in which the licensed health facility providing treatment is located for an order requiring the person to undergo an additional period of treatment on the grounds set forth in Section 5300. This petition shall summarize the facts that support the contention that the person falls within the standard set forth in Section 5300. The petition shall be supported by affidavits describing in detail the behavior that indicates that the person falls within the standard set forth in Section 5300. (b) Copies of the petition for postcertification treatment and the affidavits in support thereof shall be served upon the person named in the petition on the same day as they are filed with the clerk of the superior court. (c) The petition shall be in the following form: Petition for Postcertification Treatment of a Dangerous Person I, ____, (the professional person in charge of the ____ intensive treatment facility) (the designee of ____ the professional person in charge of the ____, treatment facility) in which ____ has been under treatment pursuant to the certification by ____ and ____, hereby petition the court for an order requiring ____ to undergo an additional period of treatment, not to exceed 180 days, pursuant to the provisions of Article 6 (commencing with Section 5300) of Chapter 2 of Part 1 of Division 5 of the Welfare and Institutions Code. This petition is based upon my allegation that (a) ____ has attempted, inflicted, or made a serious threat of substantial physical harm upon the person of another after having been taken into custody, and while in custody, for evaluation, and that, by reason of mental health disorder, presents a demonstrated danger of inflicting substantial physical harm upon others, or that (b) ____ had attempted or inflicted physical harm upon the person of another, that act having resulted in his or her being taken into custody, and that he or she presents, as a result of mental health disorder, a demonstrated danger of inflicting substantial physical harm upon others, or that (c) ____ had made a serious threat of substantial physical harm upon the person of another within seven days of being taken into custody, that threat having at least in part resulted in his or her being taken into custody, and that he or she presents, as a result of mental health disorder, a demonstrated danger of inflicting substantial physical harm upon others. My allegation is based upon the following facts: This allegation is supported by the accompanying affidavits signed by ____________. Signed  (d) The courts may receive the affidavits in evidence and may allow the affidavits to be read to the jury and the contents thereof considered in rendering a verdict, unless counsel for the person named in the petition subpoenas the treating professional person. If the treating professional person is subpoenaed to testify, the public officer, pursuant to Section 5114, shall be entitled to a continuance of the hearing or trial. (Amended by Stats. 2014, Ch. 144, Sec. 90. (AB 1847) Effective January 1, 2015.)

Last verified: January 23, 2026

Key Terms

treatmentpetitionfacilitydangerhealthcustodyportlicense

Related Statutes

  • § 5300.5 Involuntary Mental Health Detention
  • § 5304 Postcertification Dangerous Patient Remand
  • § 5305 Outpatient Commitment Conditions
  • § 340 Minor Protective Custody Warrants
  • § 359 Minor Drug Detention Orders

References

  • Official text at leginfo.legislature.ca.gov
  • California Legislature. Welfare and Institutions Code. Section 5301.
View Official Source