In re Orr.

Abstract

The Appellate Court of Illinois, Fourth District, affirmed the trial court's involuntary admission of a patient because of mental illness, finding sufficient evidence that the patient posed a physical threat to himself and others. At the same time, the court vacated an order authorizing the state to administer medication to the patient against his will. The court held that persons subject to involuntary admission may, under Illinois law, refuse medical treatment while hospitalized unless they have been adjudicated incompetent in a separate proceeding or an emergency situation exists. Psychotropic medications may be forcibly administered as a last resort, only after alternative treatment plans have been considered.