Commitment Code Revision's Effect on Psychologists' and Psychiatrists' Decision to Hospitalize

The reports of emergency-room "psychiatric" consultations before and after Tennessee revised its mental health commitment code (giving greater recognition to psychologists and broadening the definition of "likelihood of harm") were examined. The diagnostic and disposition referral patterns of psychologists were compared with those of psychiatrists. There were no significant interprofessional diagnostic or disposition referral differences before or after the revision (except that psychologists diagnosed personality disorders more frequently). After the revision, both sets of clinicians increased their likelihood of diagnosing affective disorders and recommending psychiatric hospitalizations. These findings support the granting of equal rights and privileges to psychologists and psychiatrists in the emergency commitment process.