Key Takeaways
- A pink slip is Ohio’s emergency hospitalization application under ORC §5122.10.
- The person must be examined within 24 hours of arriving at the hospital.
- After the exam, they may be detained no more than three court days unless a court affidavit is filed to continue care.
- The standard: a person with a mental illness who poses a substantial risk of physical harm to self or others if left at liberty.
- A wide range of professionals — and police officers and sheriffs — can issue a pink slip.
What Is a Pink Slip?
In Ohio, “pink slip” is the everyday name for an application for emergency hospitalization under ORC §5122.10. It lets a person be taken to a hospital for psychiatric evaluation when they appear to be a danger because of mental illness.
What Are the Criteria?
A pink slip requires reason to believe the person is a “person with a mental illness subject to court order” and represents a substantial risk of physical harm to themselves or others if allowed to remain at liberty while awaiting examination.
Who Can Issue a Pink Slip?
Ohio allows a broad set of people to issue one, including a psychiatrist, licensed physician, licensed clinical psychologist, psychiatric mental health clinical nurse specialist or nurse practitioner, health officer, parole officer, police officer, or sheriff. Family members generally cannot issue a pink slip themselves but can call for help or contact a clinician.
How Long Does a Pink Slip Last?
The person must be examined within 24 hours of arriving at the hospital. After the examination, the chief clinical officer may detain the person for no more than three court days, during which they must either admit the person voluntarily or file an affidavit with the court to begin court-ordered hospitalization — otherwise the person must be released.
What Happens Next?
If continued care is needed, an affidavit is filed under ORC §5122.11. The court can issue a temporary detention order and schedule a full hearing on court-ordered hospitalization, where the person has the right to an attorney. Any court-ordered treatment is time-limited and reviewed.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does a pink slip last in Ohio?
The person is examined within 24 hours of arrival, then may be detained no more than three court days unless an affidavit is filed with the court to continue care; otherwise they must be released.
What is a pink slip in Ohio?
It’s the common name for an application for emergency psychiatric hospitalization under ORC §5122.10, allowing a person in crisis to be taken to a hospital for evaluation.
Who can issue a pink slip in Ohio?
A psychiatrist, licensed physician, clinical psychologist, psychiatric mental health clinical nurse specialist or nurse practitioner, health officer, parole officer, police officer, or sheriff.
What are the criteria for a pink slip?
Reason to believe the person has a mental illness subject to court order and poses a substantial risk of physical harm to themselves or others if left at liberty pending examination.
What happens after a pink slip in Ohio?
Within three court days the hospital must admit the person voluntarily, file a court affidavit to begin court-ordered hospitalization, or release them. A court hearing follows, with the right to an attorney.
This article is for general education and is not legal or medical advice; laws change and details vary by county and facility. Related: Involuntary hold by state · California 5150. Sources: Ohio Rev. Code §5122.10, §5122.11 (emergency hospitalization)