2) IF, as happened on the VT campus, the school ordered Cho to seek mental health care, and the Judge directed that to happen, then if he was found to be a danger to others, those others should have been notified...(i.e. the school, Cho's roommate, Cho's teachers, etc etc )
Problem was, the Judge found he was a danger to himself and/or others at the initial hearing, but the next day after examination, the psychiatrist determined that he was ok for outpatient treatment/counseling.
In effect, the shrink determined that Cho was not an imminent danger to himself and others and could be released.
What should be the protocol wrt medical records in that instance?
I've been through this with a family member, and I can tell you it is very difficult to to have someone civilly committed. And, once it happens, the whole goal of the medical team is to get the person stabilized and discharged back into the community. Also, there frequently is very little follow-through after discharge. |
