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The Dramatic Decline of Civil Commitment in Oregon, 1972 to 2020
Thomas E Hansen1, Joseph D Bloom2, Amela Blekic2
1Dr. Hansen is Adjunct Associate Professor, Oregon Health & Sciences University, Portland, OR. Dr. Bloom is Clinical Professor, University of Arizona College of Medicine, Phoenix, Phoenix, AZ. Dr. Blekic is Associate Professor, Oregon Health & Sciences University, Portland, OR. hansenmanley@comcast.net.
The Journal of the American Academy of Psychiatry and the Law
|October 12, 2022
Summary
Oregon
Area of Science:
- Forensic Psychiatry
- Mental Health Law
- Public Health Policy
Background:
- Civil commitment rates in Oregon have significantly declined since 1972.
- This trend is influenced by legal changes and hospital capacity.
- Oregon State Hospital (OSH) capacity is impacted by competence to stand trial (CST) evaluations.
Purpose of the Study:
- To analyze the decline in civil commitment rates in Oregon.
- To explore the factors contributing to this decline, including legal and hospital-specific issues.
- To provide a model for other states studying involuntary commitment statutes.
Main Methods:
- Longitudinal analysis of civil commitment data from 1972 to 2020.
- Examination of statutory and case law changes affecting civil commitment.
- Assessment of Oregon State Hospital (OSH) bed availability and patient demographics, including competence to stand trial (CST) evaluations.
- Analysis of commitment data by county, focusing on Multnomah County and its use of diversion alternatives.
Main Results:
- Civil commitment rates in Oregon decreased from 53.2/100,000 in 1972 to 9.2/100,000 in 2020.
- Increased hospitalizations for competence to stand trial (CST) evaluations at Oregon State Hospital (OSH) impacted bed availability.
- Multnomah County led in investigations and commitments, and pioneered the use of a 14-day diversion alternative.
Conclusions:
- The decline in Oregon's civil commitment rate is multifactorial, involving legal reforms and evolving hospital utilization patterns.
- The rise in competence to stand trial (CST) patients at Oregon State Hospital (OSH) is a key factor influencing civil commitment trends.
- Oregon's experience, particularly Multnomah County's diversion strategies, offers insights for other states reviewing their involuntary commitment systems.
Keywords:
civil commitmentcompetency to stand trialforensic hospital psychiatrylegal regulation of psychiatryMore Related Videos
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