What must occur if two individuals believe a person is mentally ill within 48 hours?

In Georgia, if two individuals believe that a person is mentally ill and that person may pose a danger to themselves or others, the proper procedure is to submit a request for a psychiatric evaluation to the court. This step is crucial as it helps ensure that individuals who may need urgent mental health intervention receive the needed assessment in a timely manner.

The law allows for this process to protect the rights of the individuals involved while also addressing concerns for public safety and the well-being of the individual in question. The court then has the authority to order a mental health evaluation, which can lead to further actions such as hospitalization or treatment if deemed necessary based on the findings of the evaluation. This court involvement serves to uphold legal standards and ensure that psychiatric assessments are conducted appropriately.

Therefore, the necessity of court involvement is a key component of the mental health protocol in Georgia, ensuring that procedures are followed to protect individuals' rights while also addressing urgent mental health needs.