When used in this article, the following terms shall have the following meanings, respectively, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise:
(1) MENTAL ILLNESS. A psychiatric disorder of thought and/or mood which significantly impairs judgment, behavior, capacity to recognize reality, or ability to cope with the ordinary demands of life. Mental illness, as used herein, specifically excludes the primary diagnosis of epilepsy, mental retardation, substance abuse, including alcoholism, or a developmental disability.
(2) STATE MENTAL HEALTH FACILITY. A mental health facility operated by the Alabama State Department of Mental Health.
(3) DESIGNATED MENTAL HEALTH FACILITY. A mental health facility other than a state mental health facility designated by the State Department of Mental Health to receive persons for evaluation, examination, admission, detention or treatment pursuant to the provisions of this article.
(4) COMMISSIONER. The Commissioner of the Alabama State Department of Mental Health.
(5) OUTPATIENT TREATMENT. Treatment being provided to a person in a nonresidential setting and who is not admitted for 24-hour-a-day care.
(6) INPATIENT TREATMENT. Treatment being provided to a person at a state mental health facility or a designated mental health facility which has been specifically designated by the department for inpatient treatment.
(7) RESPONDENT. A person for which a petition for commitment to mental health services has been filed.
(8) DEPARTMENT. The Alabama State Department of Mental Health.
(9) INVOLUNTARY COMMITMENT. Court ordered mental health services in either an outpatient or inpatient setting.
Last modified: May 3, 2021