Opinion ID: 1115476
Heading Depth: 2
Heading Rank: 1

Heading: Clear and Convincing Evidence Required to Involuntarily Medicate.

Text: We first consider whether I.C. § 66-329 requires that a finding that the patient's capacity to make informed decisions about treatment be supported by clear and convincing evidence. As a preliminary observation, I.C. § 66-329(k) requires a finding by clear and convincing evidence that the patient is mentally ill and because of the condition is likely to injure himself or others. Although I.C. § 66-329(m) does not expressly require a clear and convincing evidentiary standard for involuntary medication and treatment, we feel compelled to adopt this level of proof given the significance of the intrusion upon the committed person's liberty interests. Cf. Washington v. Harper, 494 U.S. 210, 110 S.Ct. 1028, 108 L.Ed.2d 178 (1990). Additionally, we note an analogous situation exists under I.C. § 66-322(i), also a part of the Hospitalization of Mentally Ill Act. This part of the Act requires clear and convincing evidence in determining whether a guardian needs to be appointed to make treatment decisions for a patient who lacks the capacity to make informed decisions about treatment. Considering the general intent of the legislature in adopting the Act, there is no valid reason to require clear and convincing evidence to commit a patient, and then impose a different standard for a determination of capacity to make decisions regarding treatment. Given the significant interests involved, and to ensure uniform evidentiary standards are applied in commitment cases, we hold that a finding of lack of capacity to make an informed decision about treatment must also be supported by clear and convincing evidence.