Involuntary Substance Abuse Treatment for Palm Beach County, FL

1. Has lost the power of self-control with respect to substance abuse; and

2. (a) Is in need of substance abuse services and, by reason of substance abuse impairment, his or her judgment has been so impaired that he or she is incapable of appreciating his or her need for such services and of making a rational decision in that regard, although mere refusal to receive such services does not constitute evidence of lack of judgment with respect to his or her need for such services; or

(b) Without care or treatment, is likely to suffer from neglect or refuse to care for himself or herself; that such neglect or refusal poses a real and present threat of substantial harm to his or her well-being; and that it is not apparent that such harm may be avoided through the help of willing family members or friends or the provision of other services, or there is a substantial likelihood that the person has inflicted, or threatened to or attempted to inflict, or, unless admitted, is likely to inflict, physical harm on himself, herself, or another.

397.6772 Protective custody without consent.

(1) If a person is in circumstances that justify protective custody as described in s. 397.677 fails or refuses to consent to assistance and a law enforcement officer has determined that a hospital or licensed detoxification or addictions receiving facility is the most appropriate place for the person, the officer may, after giving due consideration to the expressed wishes of the person:

(a) Take the person to a hospital or to licensed detoxification or addictions receiving facility against the person’s will but without using unreasonable force. The officer shall use the standard form developed by the department pursuant to s. 397.321 to execute a written report detailing the circumstances under which the person was taken into custody.