What Is A 5150 Hold? Kanye West Reportedly Had Involuntary Psychiatric Hold

Kanye West'Jimmy Kimmel Live' TV show, Los Angeles, USA - 09 Aug 2018 — Image Credit: REX Shutterstock

Kanye West‘s doctor Michael Farzam called 911, telling officials that the rapper was suffering from “temporary psychosis” and had allegedly placed him on a 5150, according to TMZ. Here are five things to know about it!

1. It’s also known as an involuntary psychiatric hold.

The California Welfare and Institutions Code has a Section 5150, which authorizes a physician or qualified officer to involuntarily confine (in Kanye’s case, hospitalize) an individual who is thought to have a mental disorder that renders them a danger to him or herself or others.

2. A doctor diagnoses the individual ahead of the request for confinement.

Kanye’s physician reportedly called law enforcement, telling them that the rapper “suffers from temporary psychosis due to sleep deprivation and dehydration”. Once a medical professional determines the patient’s condition, a 5150 can be requested.

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3. There must be a signed declaration for it to be legal.

Clinicians or qualified officers then sign a written declaration that states the diagnosis, and can request confinement after signing. Often, the subject of a 5150 is incapable of making his or her own medical decisions. It’s still unknown as to whether or not Dr. Farzam actually placed Kanye on a 5150, or just told officers that he had, as TMZ reports.

4. Being taken to the hospital under a 5150 is not a criminal arrest.

Though the patient is taken into custody, it is simply an examination done by mental health professionals.

5. However, it’s still treated like an arrest in many ways.

If a person is taken into custody at his or her own residence, any personal items that he or she wants to bring are subject to approval. The patient is then allowed to leave a note or phone a friend or family to tell loved ones where and why he or she is being taken.

HollywoodLifers, what do you think about Kanye being placed under a 5150?