Columbia, TN asked in Health Care Law for Tennessee

Q: How do I know if I was legally considered voluntarily or involuntarily from the ER to a mental institution?

Went to the ER with a family member because I was suicidal. They had someone talk to me on an iPad and an hour later they moved me to the “ psychiatric hold area” I was there for 3 days and then sent to a psychiatric facility. When I got there the Dr asked me if I wanted to stay, I said yes. I was there for 5 days and then told I could go home. Not sure if I was there legally involuntarily or voluntarily.

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1 Lawyer Answer
Henry Ambrose
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Answered
  • Franklin, TN
  • Licensed in Tennessee

A: It sounds like you may have been there voluntarily. You can ask the hospital for your medical records and see what is in those records. That would be a good start.

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