LOS ANGELES COUNTY
DEPARTMENT OF MENTAL HEALTH
  Policy 307.01 Persons Authorized to Initiate Involuntary Lanterman-Petris-Short Designation
 
Policy Category:  Clinical
Distribution Level:  Directly Operated and Contractors
Policy Manager: Quality, Outcomes, and Training
 
Approved by Curley L. Bonds, MD, Chief Medical Officer
Reviewed and approved by Debbie Innes-Gomberg, Ph.D., Deputy Director, on Apr 10, 2025
I.  PURPOSE
 
To provide Los Angeles County Department of Mental Health (DMH/Department) with regulations for selecting and training individuals who will be authorized to initiate an application for involuntary 72-hour period of evaluation and treatment in Los Angeles County Lanterman-Petris-Short (LPS) designated facilities.

This policy sets forth procedures for granting individuals who meet the authority criteria to initiate applications for involuntary 72-hour period of evaluation and treatment.

Contracted agencies shall develop an internal policy and associated procedures that are consistent with their organizational practices and meet the requirements set forth in this policy.
 
II.  DEFINITION
 
Local Mental Health Director (LMHD): DMH Director
 
III.  POLICY
 
The following individuals in Los Angeles County may initiate applications for an involuntary 72-hour period of evaluation and treatment to a facility designated by the County:
  • Peace officer, parole/probation official
  • A professional individual in charge or attending staff of a facility designated by the county for evaluation and treatment
  • Designated individuals of a mobile crisis team
  • Professional individuals designated by the County
IV.  PROCEDURES
 
V.  AUTHORITIES
 
VI.  ATTACHMENTS