What is a 5270 psychiatric hold?

A 5270 psychiatric hold allows a patient to be held in a mental health facility for up to 72 hours for observation and treatment if they are found to be a danger to themselves or others due to mental illness. The hold is named after the state statute in Florida that authorizes it, Chapter 5270 of the Florida Statutes. The law authorizes the police, a mental health professional, or a family member to place a person on a 72-hour hold. The person can also voluntarily admit themselves to a mental health facility.

During the 72-hour hold, the patient will be evaluated by a psychiatrist to determine if they meet the criteria for involuntary hospitalization. If the psychiatrist finds that the patient is a danger to themselves or others due to mental illness, the patient can be held for up to 14 days. After 14 days, the patient can be released or committed to a mental health facility for long-term treatment.

5270 holds are used as a last resort to prevent people with mental illness from harming themselves or others. They can be a valuable tool for getting people with mental illness the treatment they need. However, 5270 holds can also be controversial, as they can restrict a person's freedom and autonomy.