Steele v. Hamilton County Mental Health Board (2000) 90 Ohio St.3d 176 (in Course Documents)
Minimum of 3 library resources
Introduction
Courts have used different models to determine if patients or clients have a right to refuse psychiatric medications. This is usually an issue when the client is involuntarily committed to a psychiatric hospital. The landmark court cases in this area were discussed in the lecture. The Ohio Supreme Court addressed this issue in the case of Steele v. Hamilton County which was heard by the Ohio Supreme Court (2000).
Some arguments for the right to refuse treatment include constitutional issues under the first, fifth, eighth and fourteenth amendments (liberty issues, right to privacy, right to freedom of thought, due process/fundamentally unfair to force medications, forced medications are cruel and unusual punishment because of side effects.) Arguments against the right to refuse treatment are Parens Patriae (the state is obligated to care of incompetent individuals) and police powers (the person needs the treatment to decrease the danger to himself and others.) We will discuss these topics more in depth during an upcoming lecture on competency.
Activity Instructions
What were the issues raised in Steele v. Hamilton County Mental Health Board? What were the main findings of the court? What arguments did the court use to support their findings? What is the three-part test required to override a patient’s right to refuse antipsychotic medications? What is the practical effect of this case on treatment facilities? Are these positive or negative effects?
Writing Requirements (APA format)
2-3 pages (approx. 300 words per page), not including title page or references page
1-inch margins
Double spaced
12-point Times New Roman font
Title page with topic and name of student
References page (minimum of 3 resources)
Grading and Assessment
The following general guidelines are an approximation of the grading structure:
30% of assignment grade will come from formatting, writing style, and research/referencing.
70% of assignment grade will come from content, critical thinking, and general treatment of the topic.
Course Learning Outcome(s): 2, 3
2. Identify and evaluate the landmark court cases in mental health law.
3. Identify and evaluate federal and state statutes relevant to mental health law.
Due Date: By 11:5
PLACE THIS ORDER OR A SIMILAR ORDER WITH NURSING HOMEWORK HELP TODAY AND GET AN AMAZING DISCOUNT
