Disability Rights Center

Involuntary Hospitalization Laws
	Protective Custody Process
	The law enforcement officer must bring the person to a licensed doctor or a licensed clinical psychologist for an evaluation. A physician assistant, nurse practitioner or a certified psychiatric clinical nurse may also do the evaluation if it takes place in an emergency room. 34-B MRSA §3862

	Introduction
	Hospitals Covered by the Law
	Protective Custody
	Protective Custody Process
	Transportation used in Protective Custody
	When A Law Enforcement Officer May Take A Person into Protective Custody
	Probable Cause
	Awaiting Evaluation
	How Long May Custody Last?
	Law Enforcement Officer Responsibility after Evaluation
	Emergency Application
	Likelihood of Serious Harm
	Part 1 of the Blue Paper
	Part 2 of the Blue Paper
	Part 3 of the Blue Paper
	Means of Transportation to the Hospital
	Hospital Admission
	24 Hour Post Admission Process
	Post Admission Notices
	How Long do Blue Papers Last?
	Expiration of Blue Papers
	Court Commitment
	Court Application Attachments
	Notices by the Court
	Appointments by the Court
	Results of Examinations
	Hearing
	Transportation to Hearing
	Rights at Hearing
	What the Hospital Must Prove at Hearing
	What Type of Evidence is Required
	Court Decision
	Court Order
	Appeal
	Recommitment
	Discharge at End of Commitment
	Release During Commitment
	Convalescent Status
	Return to Hospital from Convalescent Status
	Appendix: Cited and Other Relevant Sections of the Maine Revised Statutes Annotated
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