Can an inpatient in a psychiatric unit in Massachusetts be forced to have blood drawn with or without a court order?

Submitted by Diana on Tue, 07/26/2011 - 00:35

Posted in

MA Law General Discussion

If a person is a voluntary inpatient in a psychiatric unit in Massachusetts, can they be forced to allow blood to be drawn? This would include for diagnostic purposes like blood sugar levels, liver function, etc. Is a court order necessary if a patient refuses to allow blood to be drawn? Is the hospital or the psychiatric unit required to provide specific information regarding a patient's legal rights regarding this, and are they required to help a patient access legal help to be there with the patient before the judge in order to present the patient's case? Can a decision be contested by the patient and is the hospital or any of the staff employed in the psychiatric unit required to help a patient access legal help?

It would be very helpful if you could give me this information.

Thanks.

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