What do you need to baker act a person in WA state?

Answer 1

I believe that the questioner must reside in the state of Florida where the emergency mental commitment act is derived from, and commonly referred to as, the "Baker Act." Such an order is not known by this name in other states.

Virtually all states DO have some provision in their laws which allow the involuntary commitment of persons believed to be in mental distress and who present a real danger or causing imminent harm to themselves or others.

The state of Washington is one of these states.

"A person can be detained on any of three grounds: likelihood of serious harm to others; likelihood of serious harm to self; or most commonly, grave disability. Grave disability is defined as a condition in which a person, as a result of a mental disorder (a) is in danger of serious physical harm resulting from a failure to provide for his or her essential human needs of health or safety, or (b) manifests severe deterioration in routine functioning evidenced by repeated and escalating loss of cognitive or volitional control over his or her actions and is not receiving such care as is essential for his or her health or safety.

Initial Detention

A person can be detained by a Designated Mental Health Professional for up to 72 hours without a court order. The 72 hours does not include weekends or legal holidays. When being interviewed by the DMHP, the patient has the right to speak to an attorney and the right not to participate in the DMHP's evaluation. The legal standard for the initial detention is probable cause." (unquote)

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