Report from Colorado: The New Commitment Law

Abstract

A month after Colorado's new commitment statute was on the books, psychiatrists and social workers were puzzled by the new procedures and by a “gravely disabled” standard common to ten other jurisdictions. Patients, lacking the advice of counsel in the state hospital, were confused about their rights. The new law was drafted without sensitivity to the strict due process requirements imposed by federal courts in six or seven jurisdictions around the country. An example of the problems which can arise under the new law is shown by examining the case of the first patient at Colorado State Hospital to request a hearing. Indications are that mental health and legal officials are now moving with all deliberate speed to bring a greater measure of due process to the workings of the new law.