This regulation establishes the authority and procedures for DMH-certified Officer-Agents in the District of Columbia to take individuals believed to be mentally ill and dangerous into emergency custody without a warrant, transport them to a hospital or DMH, and complete the required admission application (Form FD-12). It governs the certification and operational authority of Officer-Agents rather than licensing or setting operating standards for any specific facility type.
View official source7601 GENERAL PROVISIONS The Department of Mental Health (DMH) certifies eligible individuals as accredited Officer-Agents in the District of Columbia. An Officer-Agent has the authority, when there is reason to believe that a person is mentally ill and, because of such illness, is likely to injure self or others if is not immediately detained, to: (a) Without a warrant, take the person into custody; (b) Transport the person to a public or private hospital, or to the DMH; and (c) Complete the Form FD-12 to make application for the person's admission thereto (FD-12 Application). SOURCE: Final Rulemaking published at 55 DCR 007561 (July 11, 2008).