This statute governs the court review process for emergency evaluation petitions filed by non-clinician, non-officer petitioners seeking involuntary psychiatric evaluation. The court must endorse the petition only upon finding probable cause that the individual shows symptoms of a mental disorder and poses a danger to themselves or others. If probable cause is not found, the petition is dismissed and no further action may be taken.
View official source- 1 - Article - Health - General [Previous][Next] §10–623. (a) If the petitioner under Part IV of this subtitle is not a physician, psychologist, physician assistant, clinical social worker, licensed clinical professional counselor, clinical nurse specialist in psychiatric and mental health nursing, psychiatric nurse practitioner, licensed clinical marriage and family therapist, health officer or designee of a health officer, or peace officer, the petitioner shall present the petition to the court for immediate review. (b) After review of the petition, the court shall endorse the petition if the court finds probable cause to believe that the emergency evaluee has shown the symptoms of a mental disorder and that the individual presents a danger to the life or safety of the individual or of others. (c) If the court does not find probable cause, the court shall indicate that fact on the petition, and no further action may be taken under the petition. [Previous][Next]