72 hours psych hold

[BCgradnurse, MSN, RN, NP]

Hi,

Sadly, in my practice, I frequently have to have a patient admitted involuntarily for a 72 hour psych evaluation (AKA as "being sectioned" in MA). However, in MA, NPs cannot do this under their own signature and I always have to get an MD to sign the paperwork. I'm just curious about how this works in other states and if NPs can sign the paperwork.

Hope everyone enjoys their holiday.

[al dente]

Hi,

Sadly, in my practice, I frequently have to have a patient admitted involuntarily for a 72 hour psych evaluation (AKA as "being sectioned" in MA). However, in MA, NPs cannot do this under their own signature and I always have to get an MD to sign the paperwork. I'm just curious about how this works in other states and if NPs can sign the paperwork.

Hope everyone enjoys their holiday.

I am not aware of any state that allows psych NPs to admit for an involuntary psychiatric admission under their own signature. This is an area that remains dominated by psychiatrists. Here in Arizona, psych NPs are attempting to get this language changed in the state statutes, but it has been slow going. Your situation in MA is very much the norm.

[BCgradnurse, MSN, RN, NP]

Thanks, al dente. Actually, as I re-read the forms, a certified mental health NP CAN sign the forms in MA. However, I am an FNP so I still need an MD's signature. I wish we had MH NPs in my practice.....