Misc.

Question 1

Conservatorship - what is it?

Answer 1

Used only for people with psychiatric disorder so severe that it prevents them from providing for their most basic needs (A.K.A. gravely disabled)

• food
• clothing
• etc.

Question 2

Conservatorship - who determines its necessity?

Answer 2

Professional treatment team - psychiatric hospital often begins the process. Trained psychologist is involved.

Question 3

In a conservatorship, who can authorize medical treatments?

Answer 3

Both have the right to sign the informed consent.

While authorization ability is shared, IF the conservator wants one thing and the conservatee (patient) wants another, it’s up to the conservatee re: what types of treatment he/she receives.

Question 4

Does the conservatee (patient) have a right to confidentiality?

Answer 4

Yes! The conservator does not have automatic right to the records. Always ask myself, it be clinically sound to release the records to the conservator?

Question 5

What is a professional will?

Answer 5

This is a standard of care element.

A document outlining what should be done if I am no longer able to practice as a psychotherapist (death or incapacitation)

Question 6

What does a professional will outline?

Answer 6

• continuity of care with clients
• protects client confidentiality
• dictates storage and transfer of records

Question 7

What are the elements of a professional will?

Answer 7

• designated licensed therapist who becomes executor of the will
• designated team of bridge therapist to handle client transitions
• known place where professional will is located
• client contact information
• where billing is kept

Question 8

Can I hospitalize a client when the client’s mental or physical state causes him/her to begin imminent danger of harming self or others?

Answer 8

No. I can initiate the hospitalization process but I cannot hospitalize.

Question 9

What are the legal requirements for a 5150 (involuntary hold)?

Answer 9

When a person is a danger to self or other due to mental illness or he/she is gravely disabled.

Question 10

Can a minor child consent to convulsive therapy, psychosurgery, or psychotropic medication without the consent of the minor’s parent or guardian?

Answer 10

No, the minor cannot consent w/o parent or guardian consent.

Note, a minor 12 or older CAN consent to therapy but when it comes to the types of treatment noted in the question, parent or guardian consent is required.