Right to Treatment Flashcards
Quid pro quo w/r/t RTT
Give pt something in exchange for loss of freedom
Morton Birnbaum
1960 proposed constitutionally protected RTT for institutionalized MI persons based on substantive due process (committed no crime, so can’t be indefinitely institutionalized w/o medical tx)
1964 DC Hospitalization of the Mentally Ill Act
Person hospitalized in public hospital for MI shall be entitled to medical/psychiatric care and tx
1st Case that Recognized RTT
Rouse v. Cameron (DC COA 1966)
Rouse v. Cameron (DC COA 1966) FOTC
Found NGRI for carrying dangerous weapon (md, =< 1 yr)
Invol to St. Elizabeth’s
Filed habeas corpus
Dis. Court refused to consider contention that had received no tx
Rouse v. Cameron (DC COA 1966) Finding, Basis, and 3 Points
Bazelon recognized RTT based on D.C. statute, but also implied possible constitutional violations.
1. BONA FIDE. Not show that tx will cure/improve, but just bona fide effort to do so
2. Individualized tx plans (initial and periodic inquiries, view towards providing program suitable to his particular needs)
3. Lack of staff/facilities no excuse
Wyatt v. Stickney (AL Trial Court 1971) Background
Originally brought on behalf of pts at Bryce Hospital asking for injunction to prohibit hospital layoffs. Triggered investigation into deplorable conditions at Bryce
Wyatt v. Stickney (AL Trial Court 1971) Main Finding
Main Finding: To deprive of liberty under pretext of altruism/therapeutic then not provide violates due process.
Wyatt v. Stickney (AL Trial Court 1971) 3 Areas Deficient & Additional Point
- Humane psychological/physical environment
- Qualified staff (QMHP’s) in sufficient numbers to administer tx
- ITPs
Point: Agreed w/ Rouse v. Cameron, lack of staff/facilites no excuse
Wyatt v. Stickney (AL Trial Court 1971) 8 Components of Humane Psychological and Physical Environment
- Right to privacy/dignity
- Least restrictive conditions necessary
- Not deemed incompetent to manage affairs solely bc of admission to hospital
- Visitation/telephone comms
- Free from unnecessary/excessive meds
- Free from physical restraint/isolation except emergencies directed by QMHP
- Not subjected to research w/o informed consent
- Suitable opportunities for interaction with members of the opposite sex
Wyatt v. Aderholt (5th Cir COA 1974) (What it was, main finding, and 2 underpinnings)
Same as Wyatt v. Stickney, Aderholt just became superintended before appeal. MF: COA upheld constitutional RTT as in Donaldson v. O’Connor.
1. Confinement must bear some reasonable relationship to purpose of commitment (i.e., tx (Jackson v. Indiana))
2. QpQ theory involves treatment in exchange for loss of freedom
Donaldson v. O’Connor (5th C. COA 1974) FOTC
Donaldson committed to FL State Hospital 1957, dx paranoid schizophrenic, minimal tx in 15 years. Christian Scientist, refused meds/ECT. OT and grounds privileges denied. Donaldson alleged malicious/intentional confinement
Donaldson v. O’Connor (5th C. COA 1974) Outcome and Finding
Jury awarded compensatory and punitive damages against 2 docs
COA held civilly committed person has constitutional RTT “as will give him a reasonable opportunity to be cured or improve his mental condition”
Donaldson v. O’Connor (5th C. COA 1974) Constitutional Basis & 2 Underpinnings
2
O’Connor v. Donaldson (SCOTUS 1975) (what it is, main ruling)
Dr. O’Connor appealed to SCOTUS
SCOTUS said no constitutional basis for involuntarily holding if not dangerous to others and can live safely “with the help of willing and responsible family members or friends”
O’Connor v. Donaldson (SCOTUS 1975) RTT 2 implications
Didn’t fully address/recognize RTT: QpQ argument rejected, said couldn’t really equate constitutional RTT w/ due process
However, noted that 8th A argument could be used, free for harm from abuse, crowding, lack of supervision, improper meds, etc.
O’Connor v. Donaldson (SCOTUS 1975) Later case that 8th A RTT was relevant
Willowbrook
Ending of Most RTT Cases
Consent decrees rather than Court-imposed sanctions
Youngberg v. Romeo (SCOTUS 1982) FOTC
Romeo 33y/o severe ID at Pennhurst in PA. Mother concerned bc 63 injuries in 2yrs. Filed suit said constitutional right to safe conditions of confinement, freedom from bodily restraint, and right to training/habilitation
Youngberg v. Romeo (SCOTUS 1982) Ruling and 3 Interests
SCOTUS ruled did have 14th A Due Process rights to:
1. Reasonably safe conditions of confinement
2. Freedom from unreasonable bodily restraints
3. Minimally adequate training as reasonably to accomplish first 2 interests