Abstract
This cohort study evaluates the number of petitions for temporary involuntary commitment of individuals who pose a risk to themselves or others after implementation of a pilot program to streamline the process in Boston, Massachusetts.
Highlights
In 1986, the state of Massachusetts enacted section 35 of chapter 123 of the Massachusetts General Law, commonly known as Section 35, to allow for the temporary involuntary commitment of individuals who pose a risk to themselves or others secondary to substance use.[1]
The increase observed in the West Roxbury Court can be attributed to the number of petitions filed by physicians and police officers, which increased from 11 of 112 (9.8%) petitions filed in 2016 to 274 of 417 petitions in 2018 (65.7%)
Removing the requirement of in-person court appearances for physicians and police was followed by a 272.3% increase in petitions for substance use–related involuntary commitment in a single jurisdiction
Summary
In 1986, the state of Massachusetts enacted section 35 of chapter 123 of the Massachusetts General Law, commonly known as Section 35, to allow for the temporary involuntary commitment of individuals who pose a risk to themselves or others secondary to substance use.[1] Historically, the Section 35 process required multiple in-person court appearances by petitioners; this process was not frequently used by busy physicians and police officers. In May 2017, the West Roxbury Division of the Boston Municipal Court initiated a pilot program to streamline the Section 35 process, in which faxed affidavits were accepted from physicians and police officers in lieu of in-person court appearances. The purpose of this study was to assess how the pilot program has altered the use of the Section 35 process and to examine the social and clinical characteristics of individuals who were involuntarily committed to substance use rehabilitation programs
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