Court Opinion

ID: 2961351
Source: CourtListenerOpinion
Date Created: 2015-09-21 20:03:49.682698+00
Date Added: 2024-06-11T11:41:45.645074
License: Public Domain

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                                                          2815 SEP 21 m 9: |
       IN THE COURT OF APPEALS OF THE STATE OF WASHINGTON

In re the Detention of:                               No. 72509-2-1

C.L,                                                  DIVISION ONE

                     Appellant.

                                                      UNPUBLISHED

                                                      FILED: September 21.2015

       Cox, J. - "Substantial evidence is 'evidence in sufficient quantum to

persuade a fair-minded person of the truth of the declared premise.'"1 C.L.

appeals the order committing him to involuntary treatment, arguing that

insufficient evidence supports the court's findings that he was "gravely disabled"

and that treatment in a less restrictive setting was not in his best interest. Here,

the State presented testimony demonstrating that C.L. could not provide for his

essential needs of health or safety and could not adhere to treatment outside an

inpatient psychiatric facility. Thus, substantial evidence supports the trial court's

findings. And those findings support its conclusions of law. We affirm.
       In July 2014, C.L. was admitted into a hospital after a less restrictive order

had expired earlier that month. In August 2014, the State petitioned for C.L.'s
initial detention, and he was detained. Thereafter, the State petitioned for 14

days of involuntary treatment, and the court entered an agreed order. Before the
       1 InreDet. of A.S.. 91 Wash. App. 146, 162, 955 P.2d 836 (1998) (quoting Holland
v. Boeing Co.. 90Wn.2d 384, 390, 583 P.2d 621 (1978)).
No. 72509-2-1/2

14 day period ended, the State petitioned for 90 days of more restrictive

involuntary treatment. The petition alleged that C.L. was "gravely disabled" due

to a mental disorder. At trial, the State presented testimony from mental health

counselor Alexandra Hughes. Hughes testified to her interviews with C.L. and

notes contained in his medical chart.

       The court found that C.L. was gravely disabled and that treatment in a less

restrictive setting was not in his best interest. The court entered an order

committing C.L. for an additional 90 days. The court later entered supplemental

findings of fact and conclusions of law.

       C.L. appeals.

                          SUFFICIENCY OF EVIDENCE

       C.L. argues that insufficient evidence supports the court's findings. We

disagree.

       "[T]he State must prove its case by clear, cogent and convincing

evidence" in order to commit a person to 90 days of involuntary treatment.2

"[W]here the trial court has weighed the evidence, appellate review is limited to

determining whether substantial evidence supports the findings and, if so,

whether the findings in turn support the trial court's conclusions of law and

judgment."3 If the State's burden of proof is by "clear, cogent and convincing

evidence, the evidence must be more substantial than in the ordinary civil case"

       2 In re Pet, of LaBelle. 107 Wash. 2d 196, 209, 728 P.2d 138 (1986); accord RCW
71.05.310.

       3 LaBelle. 107 Wash. 2d at 209.
No. 72509-2-1/3

where the burden of proof is "by a preponderance of the evidence."4 The trial

court's findings "must be supported by substantial evidence in light of the 'highly

probable' test."5 "Substantial evidence is 'evidence in sufficient quantum to

persuade a fair-minded person of the truth of the declared premise.'"6 "[W]e will

not disturb the trial court's findings ... if [it is] supported by substantial evidence

which the . .. court could reasonably have found to be clear, cogent and

convincing."7

       Here, the State demonstrated that C.L. could not provide for his essential

needs of health or safety and could not adhere to treatment outside an inpatient

psychiatric facility. Thus, substantial evidence supported the trial court's findings.

                                   Gravely Disabled

       C.L. first argues that insufficient evidence supports the court's finding that

he was gravely disabled. We disagree.

       A person can be committed for involuntary treatment if that person is

gravely disabled.8 Gravely disabled "means a condition in which a person, as a

result of a mental disorder, . . . [i]s in danger of serious physical harm resulting

       4lo\

       5]d (quoting In re Pawling. 101 Wash. 2d 392, 399, 679 P.2d 916 (1984)).

       6 AJL, 91 Wash. App. at 162 (quoting Holland. 90 Wash. 2d at 390).

       7 LaBelle. 107 Wash. 2d at 209.

       8 RCW 71.05.280(4).
No. 72509-2-1/4

from a failure to provide for his or her essential human needs of health or

safety."9

       The State must show "a substantial risk of danger of serious physical

harm."10 Specifically, "the State must present recent, tangible evidence of failure

or inability to provide for such essential human needs as food, clothing, shelter,

and medical treatment which presents a high probability of serious physical harm

within the near future unless adequate treatment is afforded."11 This risk of harm

does not have to be "evidenced by recent, overt acts."12

       The State is not required to show that the "danger of serious harm" is

imminent.13 Requiring imminence "could result in the premature release of

mentally ill patients who are still unable to provide for their essential health and

safety needs outside the . . . hospital setting but who, because of their treatment

there, are no longer in 'imminent' danger of serious physical harm."14

       Further, "uncertainty of living arrangements or lack of financial resources

will not alone justify continued confinement in a mental hospital."15 A person can

be gravely disabled if evidence indicates that person's "deteriorated condition"

       9 RCW 71.05.020(17)(a).

       10 LaBelle. 107 Wash. 2d at 204.

       11 id at 204-05.

       12 Id at 204.

       13_ld at 203.

       14 ]d

       15 Id. at 210.
No. 72509-2-1/5

renders him "unable to make a rational choice with respect to his ability to care

for his essential needs."16

       Here, Hughes testified that C.L. was gravely disabled due to his mental

disorder. Specifically, she stated that C.L. had "fixed delusions, poor insight,

poor impulse control, [and] inappropriate boundaries with others. He . . . [was]

not able to maintain his activities of daily living independently."17

       Hughes also read several notes from C.L.'s medical chart into the record.

A psychiatric evaluation note described C.L.'s behavior after the less restrictive

order expired. This note stated that C.L. stopped taking his medication, became

increasingly aggressive towards other residents where he lived, and believed the

FBI and CIA were looking for him. The note also stated that C.L. punched

another resident and threatened other residents and staff.

       Hughes also read into the record a note written at the end of the 14 day

commitment period. This note stated that C.L. was "unable to carry out

directions," made "paranoid statements," and was "aggressive and verbally

abusive" towards other patients.18 It also stated that C.L.'s appearance was

"unkept," that his activities of daily living "need[ed] prompting," and that he was

"not oriented to the situation."19 The next day's note stated that C.L. was "still

       16 id

       17 Report of Proceedings (August 25, 2014) at 9.

       18 Id at 14.

       19 Id.
No. 72509-2-1/6

positive for significant psychotic behavior."20

       Importantly, Hughes stated that C.L. had not been organized enough to

participate in his own discharge planning. She read another note into the record

stating that C.L. did not have housing or an outpatient provider for his discharge

and "will not survive at a shelter or on the street. He would probably end up in

jail because he is not prepared for that much independence."21 Hughes also

stated that C.L. had not made any plan without "delusional content."22

       Hughes further testified that she did not believe C.L. "could meet his basic

needs for safety" if he were to leave the hospital because "he would not know

where to go to get his basic needs met."23 C.L.'s mother is his social security

protective payee, and Hughes believed C.L.'s mother and family were not in

Western Washington or Seattle. Hughes stated C.L. was homeless and she did

not believe he knew how to access his money or housing by himself. She also

did not believe C.L. could relocate to Wenatchee by himself to "access any sort

of services."24

       Hughes's testimony demonstrated a substantial risk of danger that C.L.

was unable to provide for his essential needs of food, clothing, shelter, and

medical treatment on his own because he continually expressed psychotic

behavior and poor impulse control up to three days before trial. Thus, this

       20
            1^    at 15.

       21
            id at 17.

       22
            Id, at 21.
       23
            ]d

       24
            Id.
No. 72509-2-1/7

testimony constitutes substantial evidence to support the trial court's finding that

C.L. was gravely disabled.

       C.L. argues that he was not gravely disabled. He does not contest that he

has a mental condition. Rather, he cites two other reasons. They are

unpersuasive.

       C.L. first argues that he was not gravely disabled because his behavior in

the hospital improved. The State satisfied its burden of proof because it was

required only to show "a substantial risk of danger of serious physical harm."25

Additionally, the State was not required to show that the "danger of serious harm"

was imminent.26 Although the testimony demonstrated that C.L. had generally

been "medication-compliant" and his behavior improved in the hospital, the State

showed a substantial risk of danger with evidence that C.L. would still be unable

to provide for his essential needs outside the hospital.27 Specifically, Hughes's
testimony illustrated the aggressive and psychotic behaviorthat led to C.L.'s

detainment after the less restrictive order expired.

       Hughes also observed "currentthreatening behaviors" and had "little to

no[]" confidence that C.L. knew where to obtain medication, food, orshelter.28
More importantly, Hughes did not know if C.L. could continue his medication

compliance "outside ... an impatient setting" and noted the difference between

       25 LaBelle. 107 Wash. 2d at 203-04 (emphasis added).

       26 id at 203.

       27 Report of Proceedings (August 25, 2014) at 26-31.

       28 id at 22, 25.
No. 72509-2-1/8

meeting one's basic needs in a structured inpatient setting versus being outside

the hospital.29

       Second, C.L. argues that the State's focus on his potential difficulty

returning to Wenatchee or inability to access a shelter in Western Washington

does not demonstrate that he was gravely disabled. He specifically argues that

the State's claim that he "would be homeless if released" was insufficient to

involuntarily detain him. This understates the full scope of the evidence.

       C.L.'s psychotic behavior "rendered him unable to make a rational choice

with respect to his ability to care for his essential needs."30 The testimony

showed that C.L. would not know where to go to access a shelter in Western

Washington on his own. Similarly, C.L. did not know how to return to Wenatchee

to access his money, housing, or services. This testimony constitutes substantial

evidence of C.L.'s inability to provide for his essential needs. Being homeless if

released was not the focus of the State's argument.

       Additionally, C.L.'s argument is not supported by the case he cited. C.L.

argues that "[i]nvoluntary commitment of an individual is a significant deprivation

of liberty that may not be imposed simply because the State believes the

individual will be better off in a hospital than on the street."31 C.L. then cites In re

Detention of Harris32 to support his argument. But the issues in that case were

       29 id at 22, 35.

       30 LaBelle. 107 Wash. 2d at 210.

       31 Brief of Appellant at 9.

       32 98 Wash. 2d 276, 278, 654 P.2d 109 (1982).

                                           8
No. 72509-2-1/9

whether dangerousness could "serve as the basis for depriving an individual of

his liberty" and whether "the summons procedures of RCW 71.05.150(1)

violate[d] constitutional safeguards of procedural due process."33 Thus, that case

is not analogous to this case. Accordingly, C.L.'s argument is unpersuasive.

                        Treatment in Less Restrictive Setting

       C.L. argues that insufficient evidence supports the trial court's finding that

treatment in a less restrictive setting was not in his best interest. We disagree.

       A person may be committed for 90 days of involuntary treatment if the

State shows that "the best interests of the person or others will not be served by

a less restrictive treatment which is an alternative to detention."34 RCW 71.05

does not create a statutory right to less restrictive treatment.35 Further, a person

is not entitled to treatment in a less restrictive setting when continued treatment

is "amply supported by professional judgment."36 A court "'may take into account

the availability of treatment options or.. . the resources necessary to supply . . .

these options'" when determining if there are acceptable treatment alternatives.37
       Here, the State presented substantial evidence that treatment in a less

restrictive setting was not in C.L.'s best interest. Specifically, Hughes testified

       33 Harris. 98 Wash. 2d at 280, 285.

       34 RCW 71.05.320(1); accord In re Pet, of T.A.H.-L. 123 Wash. App. 172, 184,97
P.3d 767 (2004).

       35 In re Pet, of J.S.. 124 Wash. 2d 689, 701, 880 P.2d 976 (1994).

       36 id

       37 ]d at 700 (quoting Jackson v. Fort Stanton Hosp. &Training Sen., 964 F.2d
980, 992 (10th Cir. 1992)).
No. 72509-2-1/10

that C.L. could not survive in shelters, based on her review of C.L.'s progress

notes and interactions with him. One progress note characterized C.L. as

"agitated, threatening, [and] hyperverbal."38 The note also described his thought

process as "grandiose, tangential, [and]. .. delusional."39 C.L.'s risk assessment

that day was "[significant for psychotic behavior."40

       Other notes stated that C.L. complained that he was in the hospital for the

wrong reasons and continually presented "with poor insight."41 The next day's

note described C.L.'s thought process as delusional and his behavior as

"anxious, isolative, and withdrawn."42 The note also stated C.L. was "not oriented

to place."43

       Hughes further testified that C.L. "has shown ... no insight into his current

condition" and she recommended "inpatient psychiatric care."44 C.L. would not

"be able to adhere to treatment outside of an inpatient psychiatric facility" or have

"the capability to care for himself outside of a structured residential setting."45

       38 Report of Proceedings (August 25, 2014) at 18.

       40 id

       41 id

       42]dat19.

       43 id

       44 id at 22-23.

       45 Id. at 23.

                                           10
No. 72509-2-1/11

Hughes also noted that C.L.'s shouting of delusional statements in court

demonstrated his "poor impulse control."46

       Hughes's testimony showed that C.L. continually expressed psychotic

behavior and had no insight into his mental disorder up to three days before trial.

Most importantly, her testimony showed that C.L. would not be able to maintain

treatment outside the hospital. Thus, the State presented substantial evidence to

support the trial court's finding that treatment in a less restrictive setting was not

in C.L.'s best interest.

       C.L. argues that the trial court could not "find the State met its burden

based only on a lack of available resources."47 Specifically, C.L. argues that the

court "improperly focused on the resources available" to him and that the State

"could not meet its burden simply by suggesting no services were available" to

him.48 C.L. cites In re Detention of T.A.H.-L.49 to support his argument that "the

appropriate inquiry when considering a less restrictive option is not whether there

is a specific resource available to the individual but instead whether the person

presents a danger of serious physical harm in a less structured environment."50

This argument is unpersuasive.

       As previously stated, the court may determine if treatment is acceptable

by looking at "'the availability of treatment options or. . . the resources necessary

       46 id at 35.

       47 Brief of Appellant at 12.

       48 id at 11-12.

       49123 Wash. App. 172, 187, 97 P.3d 767 (2004).

       50 Brief of Appellant at 10.

                                          11
No. 72509-2-1/12

to supply . . . these options.'"51 Here, the court acknowledged C.L.'s ability to live

outside a hospital when he had access to "structured supportive housing" and

"mental health services" in Wenatchee.52 But the court's finding that treatment in

a less restrictive setting "would not be appropriate" for C.L. was supported by

evidence of C.L.'s inability to locate and obtain his essential needs on his own

and the unavailability of structured housing and mental health services in

Seattle.53

       C.L. also cites In re Detention of J.S.54 to support his argument that

requiring him "to engage in the services on 'the other side of the mountains' or

participate in comparable services in [W]estern Washington pursuant to a less

restrictive order was appropriate regardless of whether the court was aware of a

specific facility that would currently accept him."55 This argument is

unpersuasive.

       C.L. is correct that the trial court's ability to order less restrictive treatment

is not restricted when no such treatment is available.56 Treatment in a less

restrictive setting "can be ordered even when ... no facility has agreed to

       51 JJL, 124 Wash. 2d at 700 (quoting Jackson. 964 F.2d at 992).

       52 Clerk's Papers at 37.

       53 id

       54 124 Wash. 2d 689, 699, 880 P.2d 976 (1994).

       55 Brief of Appellant at 12.

       56 J.S.. 124Wn.2dat698.

                                           12
No. 72509-2-1/13

assume the responsibility."57 But as previously stated, RCW 71.05 does not

create a statutory right to less restrictive treatment.58 Thus, the court is not

required to "create a facility specifically designed for.. . [a person's] unique

needs."59

       In sum, C.L.'s arguments are unpersuasive.

       We affirm the 90-day involuntary commitment order.

                                                              CcrkJ.

WE CONCUR:

   I/,' ^ y;A

       57 In re Pet, of RAW., 104 Wash. App. 215, 222, 15 P.3d 705 (2001).

       58 J.S., 124Wn.2dat701.

       59 T.A.H.-L. 123 Wash. App. at 187.

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