USMLE Prep - Medical Reference Library

Psychiatric Holds — Medical Clearance & Legal Basics

System: Emergency Medicine • Reviewed: Aug 31, 2025 • Step 1Step 2Step 3

Synopsis:

Ensure medical stability, assess decision‑making capacity and suicide/homicide risk, and follow jurisdictional laws for involuntary holds; document thoroughly and coordinate with psychiatry/social work.

References

  1. ED Psych Legal Basics — Link