Comment Medical Disagree; A European example (Score 1) 265
I'm at a loss why anyone would agree with scientology on this matter.
As a medical doctor I think it is important there is a law that gives doctors a possibility to protect people (and their envirement) from them selves.
In my country, Holland, there is a procedure for protective custody in a mental hospital. I never heard of any misuse. Don't forget that in most cases people close to the person will see things go wrong and realize something has to be done.
Not having such a law means people who are mentally ill, can't be dealt with in a responsible way by the expert people. Either law enforcement excess in force and harm a patient, or patients harm their envirement in their blurred reality.
In Holland the procedure is as follows, and is in my opinion a responsible way of dealing with the delicate balance of liberty versus safety/health:
- a GP, parent, husband, wife, psychiatry counselor can request a protective custody, for instance for somebody who is psychotic
- a psychiatrist MD on call will evaluate the patient, regardless day or night
- if he/she agrees with the indication for custody, he will immediately call the mayor of the town (as impartial offical) to get a temporary approval for custody
- if approved a person can be taken into custody, if necessary by force. A will be submitted to a closed mental facility
- after 3 days a hearing will take place where a judge will see the patient, his lawyer and hear the psychiatrist evaluation and progres and will decide if the person (or then patient) will be continued to be in protective custody.
Good luck and lot's of wisdom to y'all.
