Involuntary Commitment and Medication in Alaska:

Topics

Constitutional Principles

Due Process

Hallmarks of Due Process

Involuntary Commitment and Medication Are Deprivations of  Fundamental Rights

When Involuntary Commitment Constitutionally Permissible

When Forced Drugging Constitutionally Permissible?

Alaska Statutes

AS 47.30.655  Purpose of major revision.

AS 47.30.700 (Ex Parté)

Definition of Gravely Disabled
(AS 47.30.915(7)

AS 47.30.705  Emergency detention for evaluation
(“POA” or “Police Officer Application”)

AS 47.30.710  Examination.

30-Day Commitment
AS 47.30.725 – .735

30-Day Commitment
(Continued)

30-Day Commitment
(Continued)

90-Day Commitment
(AS 47.30.740 -- .755)

180-Day Commitments
(AS 47.30.770

Psychotropic Medication
(AS 47.30.836 -- .839)

Involuntary Medication – Non Emergency (AS 47.30.839)

The Reality

Psychiatric Drugs at Least Doubling Chronically Mentally Ill

Voluntary Aspiration Unfulfilled

Coercion: Psychiatry Has Lost Its Way

Meretricious Testimony

Importance of Effective Attorney

Attorney Abdication

Alaska Public Defender Agency

There Are Effective Non-Drug, Non-Coercive Alternatives

PsychRights in Alaska

Suggested Reading