Grave disability or gravely disabled is a legal status used as a criterion in addition to danger to self or others Emergency Hospitalization for Evaluation - Treatment Advocacy Center as the basis for involuntary commitmentStandards for Involuntary Commitment (Assisted Treatment) State-by-State (Source Treatment Advocacy Center) - Mental Illness Policy Org in only 9 of 50 states of the United States.Hedman LC et al (2016) State Laws on Emergency Holds for Mental Health Stabilization. Psychiatric Services 67(5): 529–535; doi:10.1176/appi.ps.201500205 It is not a criterion in Washington, D.C.
In California,Summary of Grave Disability Criteria , from Disability Rights California (1996) it is defined as "a condition in which a person, as a result of a mental health disorder," ...(or impairment by chronic alcoholism)..., "is unable to provide for his or her basic personal needs for food, clothing, or shelter."California Welfare and Institutions Code, Section 5008 (h) definition of gravely disabled. mental health defined in (h)(1)(A), alcoholism in (h)(2), and mental incompetent in (h){1}(B). California Legislative Information maintained by California Office of Legislative CounselGrave Disability, Jewish Family Service
Some states such as Louisiana also include substance-related or addictive disorders and add medical care to needs.RS 28:2(13) definitions Louisiana State Legislature
It may also be used in certain defined violent felony cases for mental incompetence.
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