Okla. Stat. tit. 43A, § 43A-5-501: Short title - Legislative intent

A. Sections 5-501 through 5-513 of this title shall be known

and may be cited as the “Inpatient Mental Health and Substance Abuse

Treatment of Minors Act”.

B. The Oklahoma Legislature hereby declares that the public

policy of this state is to:

1. Assure adequate treatment of minors needing mental health

treatment or treatment for drug or alcohol abuse;

2. Establish behavioral standards for determination of

dangerousness of persons in need of such treatment;

3. Require the use of the least restrictive alternative in the

determination of the method of treatment;

4. Provide orderly and reliable procedures for admission or

commitment of minors alleged to be in need of inpatient mental

health treatment or treatment for drug or alcohol abuse consistent

with due process of law; and

5. Protect the rights of consumers hospitalized pursuant to

law.

C. It is the intent of the Legislature that:

1. Mental health and substance abuse treatment services shall

be provided in the manner most likely to preserve, support and

strengthen the family of the minor and to assist the minor and the

family of the minor;

2. Minors needing mental health services or substance abuse

treatment shall, to the maximum extent possible, receive those

services on an outpatient basis; and

3. Inpatient evaluation and treatment services shall be

utilized only as necessary to preserve the health or safety of the

minor or for the protection of others in the case of a minor who, as

a result of a demonstrable mental illness or drug or alcohol

dependence, can be expected to intentionally or unintentionally

seriously and physically injure another person.

D. A minor may be admitted for inpatient mental health or

substance abuse treatment only pursuant to the provisions of the

Inpatient Mental Health and Substance Abuse Treatment of Minors Act.