When used in this article, the following terms shall have the following meanings, respectively, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise:

(1) COMMISSIONER. The Commissioner of the Alabama State Department of Mental Health.

Terms Used In Alabama Code 22-52-1.1

  • following: means next after. See Alabama Code 1-1-1
  • state: when applied to the different parts of the United States, includes the District of Columbia and the several territories of the United States. See Alabama Code 1-1-1
(2) DEPARTMENT. The Alabama State Department of Mental Health.
(3) DESIGNATED MENTAL HEALTH FACILITY. A mental health facility, other than a state mental health facility, which is designated by the State Department of Mental Health to receive individuals for evaluation, examination, admission, detention, or treatment pursuant to this article.
(4) INPATIENT TREATMENT. Treatment being provided to an individual at a state mental health facility or a designated mental health facility which has been specifically designated by the department for inpatient treatment.
(5) INVOLUNTARY COMMITMENT. Court-ordered mental health services in either an outpatient or inpatient setting.
(6) MENTAL ILLNESS. A psychiatric disorder of thought or mood which significantly impairs judgment, behavior, capacity to recognize reality, or ability to cope with the ordinary demands of life. The term specifically excludes the primary diagnosis of epilepsy, an intellectual disability, substance abuse, including alcoholism, or a developmental disability.
(7) OUTPATIENT TREATMENT. Treatment being provided to an individual in a nonresidential setting who is not admitted for 24-hour-a-day care.
(8) REAL AND PRESENT THREAT OF SUBSTANTIAL HARM TO SELF OR OTHERS. A significant risk that an individual who is exhibiting behavior consistent with a mental illness, as a result of the mental illness, will do either of the following:

a. By action or inaction, cause, allow, or inflict serious bodily harm upon himself, herself, or another individual.
b. Be unable to satisfy his or her need for nourishment, medical care, shelter, or self-protection so that there is a substantial likelihood of death, serious bodily harm, serious physical debilitation, serious mental debilitation, or life-threatening disease.
(9) RESPONDENT. An individual for whom a petition for commitment to mental health services has been filed.
(10) STATE MENTAL HEALTH FACILITY. A mental health facility operated by the Alabama State Department of Mental Health.
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