APA's model law: a commitment code by and for psychiatrists.

The author argues that the APA model law is seriously flawed because it lacks sufficient mechanisms for questioning the judgment of psychiatrists throughout the commitment process and for ensuring the best disposition of patients. By failing to provide for independent screening of commitment petitions, to mandate multiple psychiatric evaluations of respondents, to provide indigent respondents a free psychiatric examination to help them prepare for the commitment hearing, and to address the shortcomings of legal advocacy, the model law sets the stage for improper or unwarranted commitments. In addition, the law circumvents the rights of patients admitted on emergency status to refuse treatment throughout the entire evaluation period, which can last up to 14 days.