Grave Disability, Basic Needs, and Welfare and Protection: Statutory Definitions for Involuntary Commitment Across States

Involuntary commitment infringes fundamental liberties, and states were found to be inconsistent in the circumstances under which those liberties could be overridden to protect people who are unable to survive safely in the community. Further research is needed to help identify whether different types of standards more effectively allow for the provision of involuntary care to the individuals most likely to benefit from such care and how variations in statutory language affect rates of involuntary commitment.