Legal Definitions - Treatment over objection

Treatment over objection

When a person is unable to give consent due to mental illness, a licensed mental health hospital may ask for permission to give psychiatric medication even if the person objects. In some states, the person must be a danger to themselves or others to justify treatment over objection.

Example 1: John is admitted to a mental health hospital after attempting suicide. He refuses to take any medication to help with his depression. The hospital may request permission to give him medication over his objection to prevent him from harming himself again.

Example 2: Sarah is admitted to a mental health hospital after experiencing a psychotic episode. She believes that the hospital staff is trying to harm her and refuses to take any medication. The hospital may request permission to give her medication over her objection to help her manage her symptoms and prevent her from harming others.

The examples illustrate the concept of treatment over objection. In both cases, the patients are unable to give consent due to their mental illness and are refusing medication. The hospital may request permission to give medication over their objection to prevent harm to themselves or others. This is done to ensure the safety and well-being of the patient and those around them.