Course Description
This session explores the integrated clinical and legal framework governing involuntary psychiatric hospitalization in Maryland, including both admission by application and admission following an Emergency Petition. Participants will learn how clinical evaluation of mental illness, risk, and level of care informs the legal determination that no less restrictive alternative is available. The session will outline required forms and certifications, statutory criteria and timelines, patient rights notifications, and due process protections throughout the admission process. Emphasis will be placed on the importance of accurate clinical documentation supporting legal decisions, ensuring patient rights are upheld, and protecting hospitals and clinicians from avoidable liability.
 
Course Objectives:
Legal
Distinguish between an involuntary admission by application and via Emergency Petition.
Identify and complete all legally required forms including certifications, notice of rights, and report as to certification.
Define timelines for evaluation, notice, and administrative hearing to ensure due process compliance.
Analyze potential legal consequences of incomplete or incorrect documentation, including release and liability exposure.
 
Clinical
Review how emergency petitions as well as mandated reporting require a clinician to assume a social responsibility beyond duty to a client
Appreciate the tremendous responsibility of at least temporarily denying someone’s freedom based on what the individual might do but has not yet done
Describe the importance of informed consent prior to and following the filing of an emergency petition
Understand the legal system goals, language, rules and procedures are foreign territory for mental health clinicians

Featuring:

Carly Chick, Esq., is in-house legal counsel for Meritus Health, where she focuses on behavioral health law, risk management, claims oversight, regulatory compliance, and complex healthcare contracting. She works closely with clinical and operational leaders across Meritus Medical Center, Brook Lane, and the Meritus School of Osteopathic Medicine to support patient safety and legally sound clinical decision-making. Prior to joining Meritus, Carly litigated in private practice, representing healthcare organizations and clinicians in medical malpractice and employment matters.

J. Emmet Burke, PhD, JD Clinical Psychologist, Brook Lane. Dr. Burke holds a Doctorate in Clinical Psychology from The Catholic University of America in Washington, DC and a Juris Doctorate from the University of Maryland School of Law.

Course Format: Virtual – Links will be provided to registrants prior to the course.

With gratitude, Brook Lane acknowledges that this program is funded in part by the William B. and Sylvia A. Hunsberger Fund.