Article archive / April 1, 2012
Originally published: . Volume 3, No. 8. Source pages: 1, 3.
A bill supported by the Louisiana Psychological Association to allow psychologists and nurse practitioners to commit children who are a danger to self or others was heard in the House Health & Welfare Committee last week, March 28, 2012. Dr. Phillip Griffin testified in favor of the measure, representing the Louisiana Psychological Association.
The bill is authored by Representative Thomas Willmont and would amend the Children’s Code Articles regarding emergency certificate admission. The proposed law “adds authorization for a psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner or psychologist to execute an emergency certificate” after examination and finding that a person is a danger to self or others. According to testimony, the law already allows for adults, but the Children’s Code is silent on this issue, explained LPA attorney Kevin Hayes.
LPA President Dr. Phillip Griffin spoke regarding the need for qualified practitioners to give the best opportunity for the most accurate diagnosis when the determination must be made as to whether a child is a danger to self or others.
He said, “The ability– the authority–to commit a patient is also the authority to not commit a patient. It is a very serious clinical endeavor.” He described his work with physicians and pediatricians and remarked that most do not want to get involved with this issue.
Discussion including matters of the child carrying a lifetime diagnosis, and Dr. Griffin explained that no child or adult could be admitted to a hospital without a diagnosis. He explained that the diagnosis being made by the right person is better for the public and the individual.
The Louisiana Consumer Health Coalition and the Louisiana State Nurses Association noted they were in favor of the bill.
Dr. James Taylor, Jr., from the Louisiana Academy of Family Physicians, spoke in opposition, pointing out that commitment is “The second most powerful authority the government gives someone.” And he said, “Committing and admitting someone are not the same thing.”
He noted that there is always an emergency room physician available and they are well qualified. Additionally, he stated, “There are approximately 50 some odd medical psychiatrists licensed under the board of medical examiners, which is the body …” He then corrected himself saying “medical psychologists” but did not to explain this point any further.
Questions were asked about the qualifications of nurse practitioners.
The bill passed favorably out of the Committee.
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