Gaskins R, Wasow M
Soc Work. 1979 Mar;24(2):127-31.
Mental health legislation recently enacted in various states has improved on older laws by recognizing new procedural rights for patients. In many instances, however, it has also prevented treatment for patients who are severely ill. The authors discuss the new laws and the way they have effected the cooperative efforts of social workers, lawyers, and psychiatrists, the three groups involved in civil commitment.