Learn about laws and rules for involuntary mental health care in Colorado. Last updated: August 20, 2024.
Patient rights
People can get mental health care and involuntary treatment in different ways. All services must:
- Respect the person’s dignity and integrity
- Be given in a restrictive setting only if less restrictive ones are not safe
- Protect privacy, dignity, and rights
- Encourage voluntary services
- Involve family when appropriate
- Help each person recover and become stronger
Laws, rules, and regulations
We’ve summarized the laws and rules below. You can find the full legislation at:
- Title 27, Article 65, C.R.S., known as "27-65"
- Behavioral Health Rule (CCR 502-1)
Summary of 27-65 statutes
A statute is a written law made by a state legislature or the United States Congress. The 27-65 statutes address involuntary mental health treatment in Colorado.
- Statutes breakdown
Legislation Section C.R.S. 27-65-101 Legislative Declaration C.R.S. 27-65-102 Definitions C.R.S. 27-65-103 Voluntary Applications for Mental Health Services C.R.S. 27-65-104 Voluntary Application for Mental Health Services - Treatment of Minors C.R.S. 27-65-105 Rights of Respondents C.R.S. 27-65-106 Emergency Mental Health Hold – Screening - Court-ordered Evaluation - Discharge Instructions - Respondent’s Rights C.R.S. 27-65-107 Emergency Transportation- Application - Screening- Respondent’s Rights C.R.S. 27-65-108 Care Coordination for Persons Certified or In Need of Ongoing Treatment C.R.S. 27-65-108.5 Court-ordered Certification for Short-term Treatment for Incompetent Defenders in a Criminal Matter C.R.S. 27-65-109 Certification for Short-term Treatment - Procedure C.R.S. 27-65-110 Long-term Care and Treatment of Persons with Mental Health Disorders - Procedure C.R.S. 27-65-111 Certification on an Outpatient Basis – Short-term and Long-term Care C.R.S. 27-65-112 Termination of Certification for Short-term and Long-term Treatment C.R.S. 27-65-113 Hearing Procedures – Jurisdiction C.R.S. 27-65-114 Appeals C.R.S. 27-65-115 Habeas Corpus C.R.S. 27-65-116 Restoration of Rights C.R.S. 27-65-117 Discrimination – Definition C.R.S. 27-65-118 Right to Treatment - Rules C.R.S. 27-65-119 Rights of Respondents Certified for Short-term or Long-term Care and Treatment C.R.S. 27-65-120 Administration or Monitoring of Medications to Persons Receiving Treatment C.R.S. 27-65-121 Employment of Persons in a Facility – Rules C.R.S. 27-65-122 Voting in Public Elections C.R.S. 27-65-123 Records C.R.S. 27-65-124 Request for Release of Information – Procedures – Review of a Decision Concerning Release of Information C.R.S. 27-65-125 Treatment in Federal Facilities C.R.S. 27-65-126 Transfers of Persons into and out of Colorado – Reciprocal Agreements C.R.S. 27-65-127 Impositions of Legal Disability – Deprivation of Legal Right – Restoration C.R.S. 27-65-128 Administration – Rules C.R.S. 27-65-129 Payment for Counsel C.R.S. 27-65-130 Advisory Board – Created – Service Standards and Rules C.R.S. 27-65-131 Data Report
Summary of 27-65 rules
The Behavioral Health Rule 2 CCR 502-1 gives rules for mental health services. This includes both voluntary and involuntary services. These rules only apply to designated facilities. A designated facility is one that’s approved by BHA to treat people with mental health disorders.
Title 27, Article 65, C.R.S. explains how mental health services should be given. BHA makes sure the rules and laws are followed properly. That way, everyone treated has their rights protected.
What does the Behavioral Health Administration (BHA) do?
The BHA:
- Makes rules for mental health services in Colorado. This includes both voluntary and involuntary services.
- Approves facilities to provide mental health care and treatment.
- Checks that mental health care providers follow state laws and rules.
- Collects and studies data about mental health services.
- Gives training and help about the laws and rules for mental health care.