Medical Malpractice

Do psychiatric hospitals ever turn away a homeless person who is suicidal?

Even if you're not sure of the answer, speculate if you can. Suppose someone is chronically homeless and can't support him/herself. Theoretically, suppose they constantly pretended that they were in danger of hurting themselves. Are hospitals legally bound to admit such a person, even if they have no insurance? What would happen to a homeless person who always did this in the U.S? Would they always have a "home" in a psychiatric hospital? What do you think their fate would be?

Public Comments

1. County Hospitals or Charity Hospitals with facilities will not turn away anyone!!!!
2. If a homeless person is determined to have the state take him in, on whatever the cause, as a menace to himself (suicidal) or throwing rocks at cars, (antisocial behavior) they'll put him in the nearest psycho ward for an evaluation and hold for 48 hours - then probably kick him/her back out. After a few incidents, he/she will have it figured out, and find a permanent home - as a guest of the state in a penitentiary - we have no insane asylums anymore.
3. I would guess that you will need a referral from a GP.
4. Yes they do..