51.20(13)(h)
(h) Any disposition of a minor under this subsection may extend beyond the age of majority of the individual, if the disposition is otherwise made in accordance with this section.
51.20(14)
(14) Transportation; expenses. The sheriff or any law enforcement officer shall transport an individual who is the subject of a petition and execute the commitment, or any competent relative, friend or member of the staff of a treatment facility may assume responsibility for the individual and transport him or her to the inpatient facility. The director of the county department under
s. 51.42 or
51.437 may request the sheriff to provide transportation for a subject individual or may arrange any other method of transportation which is feasible. The county department may provide reimbursement for the transportation costs from its budgeted operating funds.
51.20(15)
(15) Appeal. An appeal may be taken to the court of appeals within the time period specified in
s. 808.04 (3) in accordance with
s. 809.30 by the subject of the petition or the individual's guardian, by any petitioner, or by the representative of the public.
51.20(16)(a)(a) Except in the case of alcoholic commitments under
s. 51.45 (13), any patient who is involuntarily committed for treatment under this chapter, may on the patient's own verified petition, except in the case of a minor who is under 14 years of age, or on the verified petition of the patient's guardian, relative, friend, or any person providing treatment under the order of commitment, request a reexamination or request the court to modify or cancel an order of commitment.
51.20(16)(b)
(b) A petition under this subsection may be filed with the court assigned to exercise jurisdiction over probate matters, either for the county from which the patient is committed or for the county in which the patient is detained.
51.20(16)(c)
(c) If a hearing has been held with respect to the subject individual's commitment within 30 days of the filing of a petition under this subsection, no hearing shall be held. If such a hearing has not been held within 30 days of the filing of a petition, but has been held within 120 days of the filing, the court shall within 24 hours of the filing order an examination to be completed within 7 days by the appropriate county department under
s. 51.42 or
51.437. A hearing may then be held in the court's discretion. If such a hearing has not been held within 120 days of the filing, a hearing shall be held on the petition within 30 days of receipt.
51.20(16)(d)
(d) Reexaminations under this subsection are subject to the standards prescribed in
sub. (13) (g).
51.20(16)(e)
(e) If the court determines or is required to hold a hearing, it shall thereupon proceed in accordance with
sub. (9) (a). For the purposes of the examination and observation, the court may order the patient confined in any place designated in
s. 51.15 (2).
51.20(16)(f)
(f) If a patient is involuntarily committed and placed in a hospital, a notice of the appointment of the examining physicians and copies of their reports shall be furnished to such hospital by the court.
51.20(16)(g)
(g) Upon the filing of the examiners' reports the court shall fix a time and place of hearing and cause reasonable notice to be given to the petitioner, the treatment facility, the patient's legal counsel and the guardian of the patient, if any, and may notify any known relative of the patient.
Subsections (10) to
(13) shall govern the procedure to be used in the conduct of the hearing, insofar as applicable. The privileges provided in
ss. 905.03 and
905.04 shall apply to reexamination hearings.
51.20(16)(h)
(h) All persons who render services in such proceedings shall receive compensation as provided in
sub. (18) and all expenses of such proceedings shall be paid and adjusted as provided in
sub. (18).
51.20(16)(i)
(i) Subsequent reexaminations may be had at any time in the discretion of the court but may be compelled after 120 days of the preceding examination in accordance with this subsection. All petitions for reexamination must be heard within 30 days of their receipt by the court.
51.20(16)(j)
(j) This subsection applies to petitions for reexamination that are filed under
ch. 971, but not
s. 971.17, and
ch. 975, except that the petitions shall be filed with the committing court.
51.20(16)(k)
(k) Any order of a county department under
s. 51.42 or
51.437 is subject to review by the court assigned to exercise probate jurisdiction upon petition under this subsection.
51.20(16)(L)
(L) The pendency of an appeal in either the court of appeals or the supreme court does not deprive the circuit court of jurisdiction to conduct reexamination proceedings under this section with respect to the individual who is the subject of the appeal.
51.20(17)
(17) Right to reevaluation. With the exception of alcoholic commitments under
s. 51.45 (13), every patient committed involuntarily to a board under this chapter shall be reevaluated by the treatment staff or visiting physician within 30 days after the commitment, and within 3 months after the initial reevaluation, and again thereafter at least once each 6 months for the purpose of determining whether such patient has made sufficient progress to be entitled to transfer to a less restrictive facility or discharge. The findings of such reevaluation shall be written and placed with the patient's treatment record, and a copy shall be sent to the board which has responsibility for the patient and to the committing court.
51.20(18)
(18) Fees of examiners, witnesses; expenses of proceedings. 51.20(18)(a)(a) Unless previously fixed by the county board of supervisors or the Milwaukee County mental health board in the county in which the examination is held, the examiners shall receive a fee as fixed by the court for participation in commitment proceedings, and reasonable reimbursement for travel expenses.
51.20(18)(b)
(b) Witnesses subpoenaed before the court shall be entitled to the same fees as witnesses subpoenaed before the court in other cases.
51.20(18)(c)
(c) Expenses of the proceedings from the presentation of the statement of emergency detention or petition for commitment to the conclusion of the proceeding shall be allowed by the court and paid by the county from which the subject individual is detained, committed, or released, in the manner that the expenses of a criminal prosecution are paid, as provided in
s. 59.64 (1).
51.20(18)(d)
(d) If the subject individual has a legal residence in a county other than the county from which he or she is detained, committed or discharged, that county shall reimburse the county from which the individual was detained, committed or discharged for all expenses under
pars. (a) to
(c). The county clerk on each July 1 shall submit evidences of payments of all such proceedings on nonresident payments to the department, which shall certify such expenses for reimbursement in the form of giving credits to the detaining, committing or discharging county and assessing such costs against the county of legal residence or against the state at the time of the next apportionment of charges and credits under
s. 70.60.
51.20(19)(a)(a) Prior to filing a petition for commitment of an inmate under
sub. (1) (ar) the department shall:
51.20(19)(a)1.
1. Attempt to use less restrictive forms of treatment with the individual. Less restrictive forms of treatment shall include, but are not limited to, voluntary treatment within the prison or voluntary transfer to a state treatment facility, including an admission which meets the requirements of
s. 51.10 (4m).
51.20(19)(a)2.
2. Ensure that the individual has been fully informed about his or her treatment needs, the mental health services available to him or her and his or her rights under this chapter and that the individual has had an opportunity to discuss his or her needs, the services available to him or her and his or her rights with a licensed physician or a licensed psychologist.
51.20(19)(b)1.
1. Establishing standards for the use of psychotropic drugs on prisoners in a state prison and inmates committed under
sub. (1) (ar).
51.20(19)(b)1m.
1m. Establishing standards and procedures for use of and periodic review of the use of psychotropic drugs on inmates in a county jail or house of correction who are being treated in the jail or house of correction under a commitment based on a petition under
sub. (1) (a).
51.20(19)(b)2.
2. Providing for the periodic review and evaluation of the appropriateness of and the need for the use of psychotropic drugs on, and the need for the continuation of treatment for, each inmate committed under
sub. (1) (ar).
51.20 History
History: 1975 c. 430;
1977 c. 26,
29;
1977 c. 187 ss.
42,
43,
134,
135;
1977 c. 428 ss.
29 to
65,
115;
1977 c. 447,
449; Sup. Ct. Order, 83 Wis. 2d xiii;
1979 c. 32,
89; Sup. Ct. Order, eff. 1-1-80;
1979 c. 110 s.
60 (1);
1979 c. 175 s.
53;
1979 c. 300,
336,
356;
1981 c. 20,
367;
1981 c. 390 s.
252;
1983 a. 27,
219;
1983 a. 474 ss.
2 to
9m,
14;
1985 a. 29 ss.
1067 to
1071,
3200 (56),
3202 (56);
1985 a. 139,
176,
321,
332;
1987 a. 27; Sup. Ct. Order, 141 Wis. 2d xiii (1987);
1987 a. 366,
394,
403;
1989 a. 31,
334;
1993 a. 98,
196,
227,
316,
451,
474;
1995 a. 77,
201,
268,
292,
440; Sup. Ct. Order No.
96-08, 207 Wis. 2d xv (1997);
1997 a. 35,
130,
237,
283;
1999 a. 83,
89,
162;
2001 a. 16 ss.
1966i to
1966n,
4034ze to
4034zh; 2001 a 38, 61, 109;
2003 a. 33,
50,
326;
2005 a. 22,
264,
277,
387;
2007 a. 20,
45,
116;
2009 a. 137,
258,
260;
2013 a. 20,
158,
203,
223,
340,
362;
2015 a. 195.
51.20 Cross-reference
Cross-reference: See also s.
DOC 314.01, Wis. adm. code.
51.20 Note
NOTE: 1987 Wis. Act 366, which amended this section, contains notes by the Legislative Council following many of the statutes affected.
51.20 Note
NOTE: 1987 Wis. Act 394, which affected this section, contains a prefatory note and notes following the sections.
51.20 Note
Judicial Council Committee's Note, 1981: The final sentence of sub. (1) (am) allows the court to consider the subject individual's conduct during or subsequent to the crime as “recent" for purposes of involuntary civil commitment under this section, if the individual is proceeded against during, or immediately upon discharge from, a commitment for examination or treatment for incompetency to proceed as a criminal defendant. The relevancy of evidence of the individual's conduct prior to the crime is to be determined by the court. The revised statute requires the subject individual's dangerousness to be evidenced by acts, attempts, threats, omissions or behavior referred to in sub. (1) (a) 2. Prior law allowed commitment of such an individual upon a showing that there was a substantial likelihood, based on the treatment record, that he or she would be a proper subject for commitment if treatment were withdrawn. [Bill 765-A]
51.20 Note
Judicial Council Note, 1988: The amendment to sub. (2) allows notice of hearings to be given by telephone. The time at which such notice is given and the person to whom it is given must be noted in the case file. [Re Order effective Jan. 1, 1988]
51.20 Annotation
The role of an attorney appointed under sub. (4), 1975 stats., [now (3)] is discussed. State ex rel. Memmel v. Mundy,
75 Wis. 2d 276,
249 N.W.2d 573 (1977).
51.20 Annotation
The due process standard for hearings under this section is more flexible than the standard for criminal proceedings. In Matter of Parham,
95 Wis. 2d 21,
289 N.W.2d 326 (Ct. App. 1979).
51.20 Annotation
The 14-day time limit in sub. (7) (c) is mandatory and refers to calendar days, not business days. State ex rel. Lockman v. Gerhardstein,
107 Wis. 2d 325,
320 N.W.2d 27 (Ct. App. 1982).
51.20 Annotation
A person may be a proper subject for treatment even though a cure is unlikely. In Matter of Mental Condition of C.J.
120 Wis. 2d 355,
354 N.W.2d 219 (Ct. App. 1984).
51.20 Annotation
The 45-day limit in sub. (13) (g) 2. applies only to an original commitment order and does not bar subsequent extensions of the order. In Matter of M.J.
122 Wis. 2d 525,
362 N.W.2d 190 (Ct. App. 1984).
51.20 Annotation
The use of telephone testimony by physicians did not a violate the petitioner's due process rights. In Matter of W.J.C.
124 Wis. 2d 238,
369 N.W.2d 162 (Ct. App. 1985).
51.20 Annotation
Hearings under sub. (12) are open unless the court grants the subject individual's motion for closure. Wisconsin State Journal v. Circuit Court for Dane County,
131 Wis. 2d 515,
389 N.W.2d 73 (Ct. App. 1986).
51.20 Annotation
An individual's counsel may not withdraw a jury demand without the individual's consent. In Matter of S.B.,
138 Wis. 2d 409,
406 N.W.2d 408 (1987).
51.20 Annotation
Sub. (13) (c) 2. does not permit the committing court to specify a treatment method in addition to the facility. In Matter of J.R.R.
145 Wis. 2d 431,
427 N.W.2d 137 (Ct. App. 1988).
51.20 Annotation
Under sub. (13) (g) 3. an individual has a right to a jury trial in proceedings to extend a commitment. In Matter of Mental Condition of G.O.T.
151 Wis. 2d 629,
445 N.W.2d 697 (Ct. App. 1989).
51.20 Annotation
There is a bright-line rule prohibiting a circuit court from accepting petitions drafted by persons not authorized to do so under sub. (4). In Matter of S.P.B.
159 Wis. 2d 393,
464 N.W.2d 102 (Ct. App. 1990).
51.20 Annotation
The services of appointed counsel for non-indigent individuals in civil commitment hearing should be paid for by the county. State ex. rel. Chiarkas v. Skow,
160 Wis. 2d 123,
465 N.W.2d 625 (1991).
51.20 Annotation
The assurance of representation by adversary counsel under sub. (3) does not preclude self-representation when a waiver of counsel is knowingly and competently made. In Matter of Condition of S.Y.
162 Wis. 2d 320,
469 N.W.2d 836 (1991).
51.20 Annotation
The sub. (16) (c) provision for a hearing on a petition within 30 days of filing is directory and violation is not grounds for release. State v. R.R.E.
162 Wis. 2d 698,
470 N.W.2d 283 (1991).
51.20 Annotation
When a recommitment hearing under sub. (13) (g) 3. is before the same judge who conducted the original commitment proceeding, a request for substitution under s. 801.58 is not allowed. Serocki v. Circuit Court for Clark County,
163 Wis. 2d 152,
471 N.W.2d 49 (1991).
51.20 Annotation
Sub. (15) does not authorize the appeal of a court commissioner's order to the court of appeals; proper review is a new hearing by the circuit court. In Matter of Mental Condition of C.M.B.
165 Wis. 2d 703,
478 N.W.2d 385 (1992).
51.20 Annotation
An involuntary commitment may not be ordered on summary judgment. Matter of Mental Condition of Shirley J.C.
172 Wis. 2d 371,
493 N.W.2d 382 (Ct. App. 1992).
51.20 Annotation
A probable cause determination made by a court commissioner under sub. (7) may be reviewed by the circuit court, but nothing gives the subject a right to review. Factors to consider in deciding whether to grant review are discussed. Milwaukee County v. Louise M.
205 Wis. 2d 162,
555 N.W.2d 807 (1996),
95-0291.
51.20 Annotation
The 14-day deadline under sub. (7) (c) is subject to reasonable extension when the need for the extension is caused solely by the conduct and manipulation of the detained subject. County of Milwaukee v. Edward S.
2001 WI App 169,
247 Wis. 2d 87,
633 N.W.2d 241,
00-1003.
51.20 Annotation
By expressing the time requirement in sub. (7) (a) in terms of hours rather than days, the legislature manifested its intent that the clock start running immediately “after the individual arrives at the facility," rather than the next day. The “exclude-the-first-day" rule of s. 990.001 (4) (a) and (d) does not apply in the context of this section under which 72 hours means 72 hours. Matter of the Mental Commitment of Ryan E. M.
2002 WI App 71,
252 Wis. 2d 490,
642 N.W.2d 592,
01-1175.
51.20 Annotation
Sub. (1) (a) 2. e. is constitutional. It does not: 1) allow involuntary commitment upon a finding of mental illness alone and contains an ascertainable standard of commitment, and thus is not vague or overbroad; 2) create a class of persons who can be involuntarily committed upon a finding of mere mental or emotional harm, and thus does not violate equal protection; and 3) violate substantive due process because the constitution does not require proof of imminent physical harm prior to commitment for treatment. State v. Dennis H.
2002 WI 104,
255 Wis. 2d 359,
647 N.W.2d 851,
01-0374.
51.20 Annotation
Sub. (1) (a) 2. e. may be used to involuntarily commit persons with dual diagnoses of mental illness and either drug dependency or developmental disability. The plain meaning of “these services" in sub. (1) (a) 2. e. includes medication. The ch. 55 exclusion in sub. (1) (a) 2. e. includes an individual who is already subject to an order for protective placement or services, if there is another placement or additional services available under ch. 55 that would be effective in reducing the probability of the requisite harm to less than a substantial probability. This exclusion may apply to an individual who is not yet subject to a ch. 55 order but who is eligible for one. Involuntary administration of medication under s. 55.14 may be one of the additional services that would satisfy this exclusion, if the guardian consents and depending on the individual's circumstances. Dane County v. Kelly M.
2011 WI App 69,
333 Wis. 2d 719,
798 N.W.2d 697,
10-1486.
51.20 Annotation
Rehabilitation is a necessary element of treatment under ch. 51. Because there are no techniques that can be employed to bring about rehabilitation from Alzheimer's disease, an individual with the disease cannot be rehabilitated. Accordingly, an Alzheimer's patient is not a proper subject for ch. 51 treatment. Fond du Lac County v. Helen E. F.
2012 WI 50,
340 Wis. 2d 500,
814 N.W.2d 179,
10-2061.
51.20 Annotation
The availability of a non-unanimous 6-person jury in a commitment trial under this section does not violate equal protection. Chapter 980 committees are subject to increased liberty restraints when compared to ch. 51 committees. The legislative decision to allow the added protection of a 12-person unanimous jury in ch. 980 commitment trials, but not in ch. 51 commitment trials, is rationally related to different treatment needs and differing levels of dangerousness that s. 51.20 and ch. 980 seek to address, as well as stricter rules concerning confinement in ch. 980. Milwaukee County v. Mary F.-R.,
2013 WI 92,
351 Wis. 2d 273,
839 N.W.2d 581,
12-0958.
51.20 Annotation
The state has a compelling interest in providing care and assistance to those who suffer from a mental disorder. The state's interest in caring for and assisting individuals who suffer from mental illness is particularly strong in the context of a prison because an inmate must rely on prison authorities to treat his or her medical needs; if the authorities fail to do so, those needs will not be met. Sub. (1) (ar) is facially constitutional because it is reasonably related to the state's legitimate interest in providing care and assistance to inmates suffering from mental illness. Winnebago County v. Christopher S.
2016 WI 1,
366 Wis. 2d 1,
878 N.W.2d 109,
14-1048.
51.20 Annotation
A corporation counsel has discretion to refuse to file a petition for examination after receiving signed statements under oath that meet the requirements contained in sub. (1) if the corporation counsel determines that it is not in the interests of the public to file the petition. A good faith discretionary determination on the part of the corporation counsel that the filing of a petition for examination would not be in the interests of the public is not susceptible to challenge in a mandamus action.
OAG 4-10.
51.20 Annotation
Under sub. (2), a court can entertain proceedings for involuntary commitment of a person admitted as a voluntary inpatient. 68 Atty. Gen. 97.
51.20 Annotation
Sub. (14) requires a sheriff to transport the subject of a petition under s. 51.20 at all stages of the proceedings, regardless of reimbursement. 68 Atty. Gen. 225.
51.20 Annotation
An individual in the custody of a sheriff for transport to, from, and during an involuntary commitment hearing has rights to the least restrictive restraint appropriate.
71 Atty. Gen. 183.
51.20 Annotation
The duties and obligations of a corporation counsel in involuntary civil commitment proceedings under this chapter are discussed.
79 Atty. Gen. 129.
51.20 Annotation
Under sub. (14), the director of the county department under s. 51.42 or 51.437 may request the sheriff of the county in which an individual was placed under emergency detention to transport that individual to another designated inpatient facility prior to the initial court hearing under ch. 51, and the sheriff must do so within a reasonable time.
80 Atty. Gen. 299.
51.20 Annotation
The state cannot confine, without more, nondangerous persons capable of surviving safely in freedom alone or with help from family or friends. O'Connor v. Donaldson,
422 U.S. 563.
51.20 Annotation
Due process does not require states to use the “beyond a reasonable doubt" standard in civil commitment proceedings. Addington v. Texas,
441 U.S. 418 (1979).
51.20 Annotation
In signing a commitment application, a county employee was in essence acting as a witness in a judicial proceeding and as such was entitled to immunity. Martens v. Tremble,
481 F. Supp. 831 (1979).
51.20 Annotation
Persons confined in a state hospital under ss. 51.20, 51.37, 971.14, 971.17 and 975.06 are being subjected to punishment within the meaning of the cruel and unusual punishment clause. Flakes v. Percy,
511 F. Supp. 1325 (1981).
51.20 Annotation
Beyond Overt Violence: Wisconsin's Progressive Civil Commitment Statute as a Marker of a New Era in Mental Health Law. Erickson, Vitacco, and Van Rybroek, 89 MLR 359 (2005).
51.20 Annotation
The privilege against self-incrimination in civil commitment proceedings. 1980 WLR 697.
51.22
51.22
Care and custody of persons. 51.22(1)
(1) Except as provided in
s. 51.20 (13) (a) 4. or
5., any person committed under this chapter shall be committed to the county department under
s. 51.42 or
51.437 serving the person's county of residence, and such county department shall authorize placement of the person in an appropriate facility for care, custody and treatment according to
s. 51.42 (3) (as) 1r. or
51.437 (4rm) (a).
51.22(2)
(2) Except for admissions that do not involve the department or a county department under
s. 51.42 or
51.437 or a contract between a treatment facility and the department or a county department, admissions under
ss. 51.10,
51.13, and
51.45 (10) shall be through the county department under
s. 51.42 or
51.437 serving the person's county of residence, or through the department if the person to be admitted is a nonresident of this state. Admissions through a county department under
s. 51.42 or
51.437 shall be made in accordance with
s. 51.42 (3) (as) 1r. or
51.437 (4rm) (a). Admissions through the department shall be made in accordance with
sub. (3).
51.22(3)
(3) Whenever an admission is made through the department, the department shall determine the need for inpatient care of the individual to be admitted. Unless a state-operated facility is used, the department may only authorize care in an inpatient facility which is operated by or under a purchase of service contract with a county department under
s. 51.42 or
51.437 or an inpatient facility which is under a contractual agreement with the department. Except in the case of state treatment facilities, the department shall reimburse the facility for the actual cost of all authorized care and services from the appropriation under
s. 20.435 (5) (da). For collections made under the authority of
s. 46.10 (16), moneys shall be credited or remitted to the department no later than 60 days after the month in which collections are made. Such collections are also subject to
s. 46.036 or special agreement. Collections made by the department under
ss. 46.03 (18) and
46.10 shall be deposited in the general fund.
51.22(4)
(4) If a patient is placed in a facility authorized by a county department under
s. 51.42 or
51.437 and the placement is outside the jurisdiction of that county department under
s. 51.42 or
51.437, the placement does not transfer the patient's residence to the county of the facility's location while such patient is under commitment or placement.
51.22(5)
(5) The board to which a patient is committed shall provide the least restrictive treatment alternative appropriate to the patient's needs, and movement through all appropriate and necessary treatment components to assure continuity of care.
51.22 Annotation
The standard for determining whether the state has adequately protected a patient's rights is whether professional judgment was in fact exercised. Youngberg v. Romeo,
457 U.S. 307 (1982).
51.30(1)(1)
Definitions. In this section:
51.30(1)(am)
(am) “Registration records" include all the records of the department, county departments under
s. 51.42 or
51.437, treatment facilities, and other persons providing services to the department, county departments, or treatment facilities, that are created in the course of providing services to individuals for mental illness, developmental disabilities, alcoholism, or drug dependence.
51.30(1)(b)
(b) “Treatment records" include the registration and all other records that are created in the course of providing services to individuals for mental illness, developmental disabilities, alcoholism, or drug dependence and that are maintained by the department; by county departments under
s. 51.42 or
51.437 and their staffs; by treatment facilities; or by psychologists licensed under
s. 455.04 (1) or licensed mental health professionals who are not affiliated with a county department or treatment facility. Treatment records do not include notes or records maintained for personal use by an individual providing treatment services for the department, a county department under
s. 51.42 or
51.437, or a treatment facility, if the notes or records are not available to others.
