53-21-1301. Purpose. The purpose of this part is to:

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Terms Used In Montana Code 53-21-1301

  • Commitment: means an order by a court requiring an individual to receive treatment for a mental disorder. See Montana Code 53-21-102
  • Mental disorder: means any organic, mental, or emotional impairment that has substantial adverse effects on an individual's cognitive or volitional functions. See Montana Code 53-21-102
  • Patient: means a person committed by the court for treatment for any period of time or who is voluntarily admitted for treatment for any period of time. See Montana Code 53-21-102
  • Person: includes a corporation or other entity as well as a natural person. See Montana Code 1-1-201

(1)promote more timely, informed, compassionate, and effective mental health care;

(2)recognize the right of any person who has capacity to give or withhold informed consent for mental health services;

(3)prevent unnecessary delays in receiving care for a mental disorder in times of impending or actual crisis;

(4)allow a person with mental illness to provide the legal authority for provision of health care during a period of incapacity, even over the person’s own protest;

(5)reduce the use of costly legal interventions, including emergency detentions, civil commitment, involuntary medication, and guardianship;

(6)minimize the impacts of crisis on people, families, communities, and providers; and

(7)support the relationship between the provider and the patient by promoting thoughtful, constructive, and timely communication.