Indiana § 12-26-5-1 - 48-72 hour detention; written application; contents

Full text of Indiana Indiana Code § 12-26-5-1 — 48-72 hour detention; written application; contents, with citation guidance and answers to common questions.

§ 12-26-5-1. 48-72 hour detention; written application; contents

Sec. 1. (a) Except as otherwise provided in this chapter, an individual may be detained in a facility for not more than seventy-two (72) hours under this chapter, excluding Saturdays, Sundays, and legal holidays, if a written application for detention is filed with a court of competent jurisdiction in accordance with this section.

(b) An individual may be detained in a facility for not more than forty-eight (48) hours from the time of admission, excluding Saturdays, Sundays, and legal holidays, unless the facility files an application for detention, on a form prepared by the office of judicial administration, with a court of competent jurisdiction within the forty-eight (48) hour period. If the facility timely files an application for detention, the individual may be detained for not more than seventy-two (72) hours from the time of admission, excluding Saturdays, Sundays, and legal holidays, unless the court approves the application for detention. If the court approves the application for detention, the individual may be held for not more than fourteen (14) days, from the time of admission, excluding Saturdays, Sundays, and legal holidays, pending a final hearing under section 11 of this chapter. If a patient is admitted to a facility after midnight and before 8:00 a.m., the time periods described in this subsection begin to run at 8:00 a.m.

(c) An application for detention under subsection (b) must contain an attestation signed by a physician that there is probable cause to believe that:

(1) the individual is mentally ill and either dangerous or gravely disabled; and

(2) the individual requires continuing involuntary detention to receive care and treatment;

based on an examination by a physician, advanced practice registered nurse, or physician assistant, or information given to a physician, advanced practice registered nurse, or physician assistant.

(d) A facility may not be required to first seek transfer of the individual to a psychiatric hospital before commencing an application for detention.

(e) A facility may commence an application for detention even if an individual was not apprehended and transported to a facility under section 0.5 of this chapter.

[Pre-1992 Revision Citation: 16-14-9.1-7(a) part.]

As added by P.L.2-1992, SEC.20. Amended by P.L.1-1993, SEC.153; P.L.40-1994, SEC.56; P.L.205-2023, SEC.10; P.L.147-2024, SEC.2.

Source: official Indiana text · Last verified 2026-08-27

Frequently Asked Questions About Indiana § 12-26-5-1

What does Indiana Code § 12-26-5-1 cover?

Section 12-26-5-1 ("48-72 hour detention; written application; contents") is part of the Indiana Code, the codified statutory law of Indiana. It sets out the legal rule or procedure described in the text above. Statutes are amended regularly, so always verify against the official source.

How do I cite Indiana § 12-26-5-1?

A common citation format is "Indiana Code § 12-26-5-1" (Indiana). Legal writing may require the code abbreviation, section number, and year or edition. Match the style required by your court, professor, or publisher.

Is this the official text of Indiana law?

No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the Indiana official source linked on this page or consult a licensed Indiana attorney.

How does Indiana § 12-26-5-1 apply to my situation?

Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in Indiana can advise on how this section applies to you. Contact your state or local bar association for a referral.

Sources & Verification

Not legal advice. Verify against the official source and consult a licensed attorney in Indiana.