Prevention and control of alcoholism and drug dependence

Wis. Stat. § 51.45
in effect
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(1) Declaration of policy. It is the policy of this state that alcoholics, persons who are drug dependent, and intoxicated persons may not be subjected to criminal prosecution because of their consumption of alcohol beverages or other drugs but rather should be afforded a continuum of treatment in order that they may lead normal lives as productive members of society. (2) Definitions. As used in this section, unless the context otherwise requires: (b) “Approved private treatment facility” means a private agency meeting the standards prescribed in sub. (8) (a) and approved under sub. (8) (c). (c) “Approved public treatment facility” means a treatment agency operating under the direction and control of the department or providing treatment under this section through a contract with the department under sub. (7) (g) or with the county department under s. 51.42 (3) (ar) 2., and meeting the standards prescribed in sub. (8) (a) and approved under sub. (8) (c). (cm) “County department” means a county department under s. 51.42. (cr) “Designated person” means a person who performs, in part, the protective custody functions of a law enforcement officer under sub. (11), operates under an agreement between a county department and an appropriate law enforcement agency under sub. (11), and whose qualifications are established by the county department. (d) “Incapacitated by alcohol or another drug” means that a person, as a result of the use of or withdrawal from alcohol or another drug, is unconscious or has his or her judgment otherwise so impaired that he or she is incapable of making a rational decision, as evidenced objectively by such indicators as extreme physical debilitation, physical harm or threats of harm to himself or herself or to any other person, or to property. (e) “Incompetent person” means a person who has been adjudged incompetent by the court, as defined in s. 54.01 (4). (f) “Intoxicated person” means a person whose mental or physical functioning is substantially impaired as a result of the use of alcohol, a controlled substance, a controlled substance analog, or another drug. (g) “Treatment” means the broad range of emergency, outpatient, intermediate, and inpatient services and care, including diagnostic evaluation, medical, surgical, psychiatric, psychological, and social service care, vocational rehabilitation and career counseling, which may be extended to alcoholics, persons who are drug dependent, and intoxicated persons, and psychiatric, psychological and social service care which may be extended to their families. Treatment may also include, but shall not be replaced by, physical detention of persons, in an approved treatment facility, who are involuntarily committed or detained under sub. (12) or (13). (2m) Applicability to minors. (a) Except as otherwise stated in this section, this section shall apply equally to minors and adults. (b) Subject to the limitations specified in s. 51.47, a minor may consent to treatment under this section. (c) In proceedings for the commitment of a minor under sub. (12) or (13): 1. The court may appoint a guardian ad litem for the minor; and 2. The parents or guardian of the minor, if known, shall receive notice of all proceedings. (3) Powers of department. To implement this section, the department may: (a) Plan, establish and maintain treatment programs as necessary or desirable. (b) Make contracts necessary or incidental to the performance of its duties and the execution of its powers, including contracts with public and private agencies, organizations, and individuals to pay them for services rendered or furnished to alcoholics, persons who are drug dependent, or intoxicated persons. (c) Keep records and engage in research and the gathering of relevant statistics. (d) Provide information and referral services as optional elements of the comprehensive program it develops under sub. (7). (4) Duties of department. The department shall: (a) Develop, encourage and foster statewide, regional, and local plans and programs for the prevention of alcoholism and drug dependence and treatment of alcoholics, persons who are drug dependent, and intoxicated persons in cooperation with public and private agencies, organizations, and individuals and provide technical assistance and consultation services for these purposes. (b) Coordinate the efforts and enlist the assistance of all public and private agencies, organizations and individuals interested in prevention of alcoholism and drug dependence and treatment of alcoholics, persons who are drug dependent, and intoxicated persons. (c) Assure that the county department provides treatment for alcoholics, persons who are drug dependent, and intoxicated persons in county, town and municipal institutions for the detention and incarceration of persons charged with or convicted of a violation of a state law or a county, town or municipal ordinance. (d) Cooperate with the department of public instruction, local boards of education, schools, including tribal schools, as defined in s. 115.001 (15m), police departments, courts, and other public and private agencies, organizations, and individuals in establishing programs for the prevention of alcoholism and drug dependence and treatment of alcoholics, persons who are drug dependent, and intoxicated persons, and preparing curriculum materials thereon for use at all levels of school education. (e) Prepare, publish, evaluate and disseminate educational material dealing with the nature and effects of alcohol and other drugs. (f) Develop and implement and assure that county departments develop and implement, as an integral part of treatment programs, an educational program for use in the treatment of alcoholics, persons who are drug dependent, and intoxicated persons, which program shall include the dissemination of information concerning the nature and effects of alcohol and other drugs. (g) Organize and foster training programs for all persons engaged in treatment of alcoholics, persons who are drug dependent, and intoxicated persons. (h) Sponsor and encourage research into the causes and nature of alcoholism and drug dependence and treatment of alcoholics, persons who are drug dependent, and intoxicated persons, and serve as a clearinghouse for information relating to alcoholism and drug dependence. (i) Specify uniform methods for keeping statistical information by public and private agencies, organizations, and individuals, and collect and make available relevant statistical information, including number of persons treated, frequency of admission and readmission, and frequency and duration of treatment. (j) Advise the governor or the state health planning and development agency under P.L. 93-641, as amended, in the preparation of a comprehensive plan for treatment of alcoholics, persons who are drug dependent, and intoxicated persons for inclusion in the state’s comprehensive health plan. (k) Review all state health, welfare and treatment plans to be submitted for federal funding under federal legislation, and advise the governor or the state health planning and development agency under P.L. 93-641, as amended, on provisions to be included relating to alcoholics, persons who are drug dependent, and intoxicated persons. (L) Develop and maintain, in cooperation with other state agencies, local governments and businesses and industries in the state, appropriate prevention, treatment and rehabilitation programs and services for alcohol abuse, alcoholism, controlled substance use, and drug dependence among employees thereof. (m) Utilize the support and assistance of interested persons in the community, particularly recovered alcoholics and recovered drug dependent persons, to encourage alcoholics and persons who are drug dependent voluntarily to undergo treatment. (n) Cooperate with the department of transportation in establishing and conducting programs designed to deal with the problem of persons operating motor vehicles while intoxicated. (o) Encourage general hospitals and other appropriate health facilities to admit without discrimination alcoholics, persons who are drug dependent, and intoxicated persons and to provide them with adequate and appropriate treatment. (p) Submit to the governor or the state health planning and development agency under P.L. 93-641, as amended, an annual report covering the activities of the department relating to treatment of alcoholism and drug dependence. (q) Gather information relating to all federal programs concerning alcoholism and drug dependence, whether or not subject to approval by the department, to assure coordination and avoid duplication of efforts. (7) Comprehensive program for treatment. (a) The department shall establish a comprehensive and coordinated program for the treatment of alcoholics, persons who are drug dependent, and intoxicated persons. (b) The program of the department shall include: 1. Emergency medical treatment provided by a facility affiliated with or part of the medical service of a general hospital. 2. Nonmedical emergency treatment provided by a facility having a written agreement with a general hospital for the provision of emergency medical treatment to patients as may be necessary. 3. Inpatient treatment. 4. Intermediate treatment as a part-time resident of a treatment facility. 5. Outpatient and follow-up treatment. 6. Extended care in a sheltered living environment with minimal staffing providing a program emphasizing at least one of the following elements: the development of self-care, social and recreational skills or prevocational or vocational training. 7. Prevention and intervention services. (c) The department shall provide for adequate and appropriate treatment for alcoholics, persons who are drug dependent, and intoxicated persons admitted under subs. (10) to (13). Treatment may not be provided at a correctional institution except for inmates. (d) The superintendent of each facility shall make an annual report of its activities to the secretary in the form and manner the secretary specifies. (e) All appropriate public and private resources shall be coordinated with and utilized in the program if possible. (f) The secretary shall prepare, publish and distribute annually a list of all approved public and private treatment facilities. (g) The department may contract for the use of any facility as an approved public treatment facility if the secretary considers this to be an effective and economical course to follow. (h) The department shall authorize approved tribal treatment facilities to conduct assessments under s. 343.30 (1q) (c) and prepare driver safety plans under s. 343.30 (1q) (d) if, with regard to each person for whom the approved tribal treatment facility conducts an assessment under s. 343.30 (1q) (c), the approved tribal treatment facility agrees in writing to do all of the following: 1. Notify the county assessment agency identified in the order under s. 343.30 (1q) (c) 1. within 72 hours that the approved tribal treatment facility has been contacted for the assessment. 2. Execute all duties of an approved public treatment facility under s. 343.30 (1q) and rules promulgated under s. 343.30 (1q). (8) Standards for public and private treatment facilities; enforcement procedures. (a) The department shall establish minimum standards for approved treatment facilities that must be met for a treatment facility to be approved as a public or private treatment facility, except as provided in s. 51.032, and fix the fees to be charged by the department for the required inspections. The standards may concern only the health standards to be met and standards of treatment to be afforded patients and shall distinguish between facilities rendering different modes of treatment. In setting standards, the department shall consider the residents’ needs and abilities, the services to be provided by the facility, and the relationship between the physical structure and the objectives of the program. Nothing in this subsection shall prevent county departments from establishing reasonable higher standards. (b) The department periodically shall make unannounced inspections of approved public and private treatment facilities at reasonable times and in a reasonable manner. (c) Approval of a facility must be secured under this section before application for a grant-in-aid for such facility under s. 51.423 or before treatment in any facility is rendered to patients. (d) Each approved public and private treatment facility shall file with the department on request, data, statistics, schedules and information the department reasonably requires, including any data or information specified under s. 46.973 (2m). An approved public or private treatment facility that without good cause fails to furnish any data, statistics, schedules or information as requested, or files fraudulent returns thereof, shall be removed from the list of approved treatment facilities. (e) The department, after notice and hearing, may under this subsection suspend, revoke, limit, or restrict an approval, or refuse to grant an approval, for failure to meet its standards. (f) The circuit court may restrain any violation of this section, review any denial, restriction or revocation of approval under this subsection, and grant other relief required to enforce its provisions. (9) Acceptance for treatment; rules. The secretary shall promulgate rules for acceptance of persons into the treatment program, considering available treatment resources and facilities, for the purpose of early and effective treatment of alcoholics, persons who are drug dependent, and intoxicated persons. In promulgating the rules the secretary shall be guided by the following standards: (a) If possible a patient shall be treated on a voluntary rather than an involuntary basis. (b) A patient shall be initially assigned or transferred to outpatient or intermediate treatment, unless the patient is found to require inpatient treatment. (c) No person may be denied treatment solely because the person has withdrawn from treatment against medical advice on a prior occasion or because the person has relapsed after earlier treatment. (d) An individualized treatment plan shall be prepared and maintained on a current basis for each patient. (e) Provision shall be made for a continuum of coordinated treatment services, so that a person who leaves a facility or a form of treatment will have available and utilize other appropriate treatment. (10) Voluntary treatment of alcoholics and drug dependent persons. (a) An adult alcoholic or person who is drug dependent may apply for voluntary treatment directly to an approved public treatment facility. If the proposed patient is an individual adjudicated incompetent in this state who has not been deprived by a court of the right to contract, the individual or his or her guardian or other legal representative may make the application. If the proposed patient is an individual adjudicated incompetent in this state who has been deprived by a court of the right to contract, the individual’s guardian or other legal representative may make the application. (am) Except as provided in s. 51.47, a minor may apply for treatment directly to an approved public treatment facility, but only for those forms of treatment specified in sub. (7) (b) 5. and 7. Section 51.13 governs admission of a minor alcoholic or minor who is drug dependent to an inpatient treatment facility. (b) Subject to rules promulgated by the department, the superintendent in charge of an approved public treatment facility may determine who shall be admitted for treatment. If a person is refused admission to an approved public treatment facility, the superintendent, subject to rules promulgated by the department, shall refer the person to another approved public treatment facility for treatment if possible and appropriate. (c) If a patient receiving inpatient care leaves an approved public treatment facility, the patient shall be encouraged to consent to appropriate outpatient or intermediate treatment. If it appears to the superintendent in charge of the treatment facility that the patient is an alcoholic, person who is drug dependent, or intoxicated person who requires help, the county department shall arrange for assistance in obtaining supportive services and residential facilities. If the patient is an individual who is adjudicated incompetent, the request for discharge from an inpatient facility shall be made by a legal guardian or other legal representative or by the individual who is adjudicated incompetent if he or she was the original applicant. (d) If a patient leaves an approved public treatment facility, with or against the advice of the superintendent in charge of the facility, the county department may make reasonable provisions for the patient’s transportation to another facility or to his or her home or may assist the patient in obtaining temporary shelter. (e) This subsection applies only to admissions of alcoholics and persons who are drug dependent whose care and treatment is to be paid for by the department or a county department. (11) Treatment and services for intoxicated persons and others incapacitated by alcohol or another drug. (a) An intoxicated person may come voluntarily to an approved public treatment facility for emergency treatment. Any law enforcement officer, or designated person upon the request of a law enforcement officer, may assist a person who appears to be intoxicated in a public place and to be in need of help to his or her home, an approved treatment facility or other health facility, if such person consents to the proffered help. Section 51.13 governs admission of an intoxicated minor to an inpatient facility under this paragraph. (b) A person who appears to be incapacitated by alcohol or another drug shall be placed under protective custody by a law enforcement officer. The law enforcement officer shall either bring such person to an approved public treatment facility for emergency treatment or request a designated person to bring such person to the facility for emergency treatment. If no approved public treatment facility is readily available or if, in the judgment of the law enforcement officer or designated person, the person is in need of emergency medical treatment, the law enforcement officer or designated person upon the request of the law enforcement officer shall take such person to an emergency medical facility. The law enforcement officer or designated person, in detaining such person or in taking him or her to an approved public treatment facility or emergency medical facility, is holding such person under protective custody and shall make every reasonable effort to protect the person’s health and safety. In placing the person under protective custody the law enforcement officer may search such person for and seize any weapons. Placement under protective custody under this subsection is not an arrest. No entry or other record shall be made to indicate that such person has been arrested or charged with a crime. A person brought to an approved public treatment facility under this paragraph shall be deemed to be under the protective custody of the facility upon arrival. (bm) If the person who appears to be incapacitated by alcohol or another drug under par. (b) is a minor, either a law enforcement officer or a person authorized to take a child into custody under ch. 48 or to take a juvenile into custody under ch. 938 may take the minor into custody as provided in par. (b). (c) A person who comes voluntarily or is brought to an approved treatment facility shall be examined by trained staff as soon as practicable in accordance with a procedure developed by the facility in consultation with a licensed physician. The person may then be admitted as a patient or referred to another treatment facility or to an emergency medical facility, in which case the county department shall make provision for transportation. Upon arrival, the person shall be deemed to be under the protective custody of the facility to which he or she has been referred. (d) A person who by examination pursuant to par. (c) is found to be incapacitated by alcohol or another drug at the time of admission, or to have become incapacitated at any time after admission, shall be detained at the appropriate facility for the duration of the incapacity but may not be detained when no longer incapacitated by alcohol or another drug, or if the person remains incapacitated by alcohol or another drug for more than 72 hours after admission as a patient, exclusive of Saturdays, Sundays and legal holidays, unless he or she is committed under sub. (12). A person may consent to remain in the facility as long as the physician or official in charge believes appropriate. (e) The county department shall arrange transportation home for a person who was brought under protective custody to an approved public treatment facility or emergency medical facility and who is not admitted, if the home is within 50 miles of the facility. If the person has no home within 50 miles of the facility, the county department shall assist him or her in obtaining shelter. (f) If a patient is admitted to an approved public treatment facility, the family or next of kin shall be notified as promptly as possible unless an adult patient who is not incapacitated requests that no notification be made. (g) Any law enforcement officer, designated person or officer or employee of an approved treatment facility who acts in compliance with this section is acting in the course of official duty and is not criminally or civilly liable for false imprisonment. (h) Prior to discharge, the patient shall be informed of the benefits of further diagnosis and appropriate voluntary treatment. (i) No provision of this section may be deemed to require any emergency medical facility which is not an approved private or public treatment facility to provide to incapacitated persons nonmedical services including, but not limited to, shelter, transportation or protective custody. (12) Emergency commitment. (a) An intoxicated person who has threatened, attempted or inflicted physical harm on himself or herself or on another and is likely to inflict such physical harm unless committed, or a person who is incapacitated by alcohol or another drug, may be committed to the county department and brought to an approved public treatment facility for emergency treatment. A refusal to undergo treatment does not constitute evidence of lack of judgment as to the need for treatment. (b) The physician, spouse, guardian, or a relative of the person sought to be committed, or any other responsible person, may petition a circuit court commissioner or the circuit court of the county in which the person sought to be committed resides or is present for commitment under this subsection. The petition shall state facts to support the need for emergency treatment and be supported by one or more affidavits that aver with particularity the factual basis for the allegations contained in the petition. (c) Upon receipt of a petition under par. (b), the circuit court commissioner or court shall: 1. Determine whether the petition and supporting affidavits sustain the grounds for commitment and dismiss the petition if the grounds for commitment are not sustained thereby. If the grounds for commitment are sustained by the petition and supporting affidavits, the court or circuit court commissioner shall issue an order temporarily committing the person to the custody of the county department pending the outcome of the preliminary hearing under sub. (13) (d). 2. Assure that the person sought to be committed is represented by counsel by referring the person to the state public defender, who shall appoint counsel for the person without a determination of indigency, as provided in s. 51.60. 3. Issue an order directing the sheriff or other law enforcement agency to take the person into protective custody and bring him or her to an approved public treatment facility designated by the county department, if the person is not detained under sub. (11). 4. Set a time for a preliminary hearing under sub. (13) (d), such hearing to be held not later than 48 hours after receipt of a petition under par. (b), exclusive of Saturdays, Sundays and legal holidays. If at such time the person is unable to assist in the defense because he or she is incapacitated by alcohol or another drug, an extension of not more than 48 hours, exclusive of Saturdays, Sundays and legal holidays, may be had upon motion of the person or the person’s attorney. (d) Upon arrival at the approved public treatment facility, the person shall be advised both orally and in writing of the right to counsel, the right to consult with counsel before a request is made to undergo voluntary treatment under sub. (10), the right not to converse with examining physicians, psychologists or other personnel, the fact that anything said to examining physicians, psychologists or other personnel may be used as evidence against him or her at subsequent hearings under this section, the right to refuse medication under s. 51.61 (6), the exact time and place of the preliminary hearing under sub. (13) (d), and of the reasons for detention and the standards under which he or she may be committed prior to all interviews with physicians, psychologists or other personnel. Such notice of rights shall be provided to the patient’s immediate family if they can be located and may be deferred until the patient’s incapacitated condition, if any, has subsided to the point where the patient is capable of understanding the notice. Under no circumstances may interviews with physicians, psychologists or other personnel be conducted until such notice is given, except that the patient may be questioned to determine immediate medical needs. The patient may be detained at the facility to which he or she was admitted or, upon notice to the attorney and the court, transferred by the county department to another appropriate public or private treatment facility, until discharged under par. (e). (e) When on the advice of the treatment staff the superintendent of the facility having custody of the patient determines that the grounds for commitment no longer exist, he or she shall discharge a person committed under this subsection. No person committed under this subsection shall be detained in any treatment facility beyond the time set for a preliminary hearing under par. (c) 4. If a petition for involuntary commitment under sub. (13) has been filed and a finding of probable cause for believing the patient is in need of commitment has been made under sub. (13) (d), the person may be detained until the petition has been heard and determined. (f) A copy of the written application for commitment and all supporting affidavits shall be given to the patient at the time notice of rights is given under par. (d) by the superintendent, who shall provide a reasonable opportunity for the patient to consult counsel. (13) Involuntary commitment. (a) A person may be committed to the custody of the county department by the circuit court upon the petition of 3 adults, at least one of whom has personal knowledge of the conduct and condition of the person sought to be committed. A refusal to undergo treatment shall not constitute evidence of lack of judgment as to the need for treatment. The petition for commitment shall do all of the following: 1. Allege that the condition of the person is such that he or she habitually lacks self-control as to the use of alcohol beverages or other drugs, and uses such beverages or drugs to the extent that health is substantially impaired or endangered and social or economic functioning is substantially disrupted. 2. Allege that such condition of the person is evidenced by a pattern of conduct which is dangerous to the person or to others. 3. State that the person is a child or state facts sufficient for a determination of indigency of the person. 4. Be supported by the affidavit of each petitioner who has personal knowledge which avers with particularity the factual basis for the allegations contained in the petition. 5. Contain a statement of each petitioner who does not have personal knowledge which provides the basis for his or her belief. (b) Upon receipt of a petition under par. (a), the court shall: 1. Determine whether the petition and supporting affidavits meet the requirements of par. (a) and dismiss the petition if the requirements of par. (a) are not met thereby. If the person has not been temporarily committed under sub. (12) (c) and the petition and supporting affidavits meet the requirements of par. (a), the court may issue an order temporarily committing the person to the custody of the county department pending the outcome of the preliminary hearing under par. (d). 2. Assure that the person is represented by counsel by referring the person to the state public defender, who shall appoint counsel for the person without a determination of indigency, as provided in s. 51.60. The person shall be represented by counsel at the preliminary hearing under par. (d). The person may, with the approval of the court, waive his or her right to representation by counsel at the full hearing under par. (f). 3. If the court orders temporary commitment, issue an order directing the sheriff or other law enforcement agency to take the person into protective custody and to bring the person to an approved public treatment facility designated by the county department, if the person is not detained under sub. (11) or (12). 4. Set a time for a preliminary hearing under par. (d). If the person is taken into protective custody, such hearing shall be held not later than 72 hours after the person arrives at the approved public treatment facility, exclusive of Saturdays, Sundays and legal holidays. If at that time the person is unable to assist in the defense because he or she is incapacitated by alcohol or another drug, an extension of not more than 48 hours, exclusive of Saturdays, Sundays and legal holidays, may be had upon motion of the person or the person’s attorney. (c) Effective and timely notice of the preliminary hearing, together with a copy of the petition and supporting affidavits under par. (a), shall be given to the person unless he or she has been taken into custody under par. (b), the legal guardian if the person is adjudicated incompetent, the person’s counsel, corporation counsel in the county in which the petition is filed, and the petitioner. The notice shall include a written statement of the person’s right to an attorney, the right to trial by jury, the right to be examined by a physician, and the standard under which he or she may be committed under this section. If the person is taken into custody under par. (b), upon arrival at the approved public treatment facility, the person shall be advised both orally and in writing of the right to counsel, the right to consult with counsel before a request is made to undergo voluntary treatment under sub. (10), the right not to converse with examining physicians, psychologists or other personnel, the fact that anything said to examining physicians, psychologists or other personnel may be used as evidence against him or her at subsequent hearings under this section, the right to refuse medication under s. 51.61 (6), the exact time and place of the preliminary hearing under par. (d), the right to trial by jury, the right to be examined by a physician and of the reasons for detention, and the standards under which he or she may be committed prior to all interviews with physicians, psychologists, or other personnel. Such notice of rights shall be provided to the person’s immediate family if they can be located and may be deferred until the person’s incapacitated condition, if any, has subsided to the point where the person is capable of understanding the notice. Under no circumstances may interviews with physicians, psychologists, or other personnel be conducted until such notice is given, except that the person may be questioned to determine immediate medical needs. The person may be detained at the facility to which he or she was admitted or, upon notice to the attorney and the court, transferred by the county department to another appropriate public or private treatment facility, until discharged under this subsection. A copy of the petition and all supporting affidavits shall be given to the person at the time notice of rights is given under this paragraph by the superintendent, who shall provide a reasonable opportunity for the patient to consult counsel. (d) Whenever it is desired to involuntarily commit a person, a preliminary hearing shall be held under this paragraph. The purpose of the preliminary hearing shall be to determine if there is probable cause for believing that the allegations of the petition under par. (a) are true. The court shall assure that the person is represented by counsel at the preliminary hearing by referring the person to the state public defender, who shall appoint counsel for the person without a determination of indigency, as provided in s. 51.60. Counsel shall have access to all reports and records, psychiatric and otherwise, which have been made prior to the preliminary hearing. The person shall be present in person or by videoconference under s. 51.20 (5) (c) at the preliminary hearing and shall be afforded a meaningful opportunity to be heard. Upon failure to make a finding of probable cause under this paragraph, the court shall dismiss the petition and discharge the person from the custody of the county department. (dg) The court shall proceed as if a petition were filed under s. 51.20 (1) if all of the following conditions are met: 1. The petitioner’s counsel notifies all other parties and the court, within a reasonable time prior to the hearing, of his or her intent to request that the court proceed as if a petition were filed under s. 51.20 (1). 2. The court determines at the hearing that there is probable cause to believe that the subject individual is a fit subject for treatment under s. 51.20 (1). (dm) For the purposes of this section, duties to be performed by a court shall be carried out by the judge of such court or a circuit court commissioner of such court who is designated by the chief judge to so act, in all matters prior to a final hearing under this subsection. (e) Upon a finding of probable cause under par. (d), the court shall fix a date for a full hearing to be held within 14 days. An extension of not more than 14 days may be granted upon motion of the person sought to be committed upon a showing of cause. Effective and timely notice of the full hearing, the right to counsel, the right to jury trial, and the standards under which the person may be committed shall be given to the person, the immediate family other than a petitioner under par. (a) or sub. (12) (b) if they can be located, the legal guardian if the person is adjudicated incompetent, the superintendent in charge of the appropriate approved public treatment facility if the person has been temporarily committed under par. (b) or sub. (12), the person’s counsel, unless waived, and to the petitioner under par. (a). Counsel, or the person if counsel is waived, shall have access to all reports and records, psychiatric and otherwise, which have been made prior to the full hearing on commitment, and shall be given the names of all persons who may testify in favor of commitment and a summary of their proposed testimony at least 96 hours before the full hearing, exclusive of Saturdays, Sundays and legal holidays. (f) The hearing shall be open, unless the person sought to be committed or the person’s attorney moves that it be closed, in which case only persons in interest, including representatives of the county department in all cases, and their attorneys and witnesses may be present. At the hearing the jury, or, if trial by jury is waived, the court, shall consider all relevant evidence, including, if possible, the testimony of at least one licensed physician who has examined the person whose commitment is sought. Ordinary rules of evidence shall apply to any such proceeding. The person whose commitment is sought shall be present and shall be given an opportunity to be examined by a court-appointed licensed physician. If the person refuses and there is sufficient evidence to believe that the allegations of the petition are true, or if the court believes that more medical evidence is necessary, the court may make a temporary order committing the person to the county department for a period of not more than 5 days for purposes of diagnostic examination. (g) 1. The court shall make an order of commitment to the county department if, after hearing all relevant evidence, including the results of any diagnostic examination, the trier of fact finds all of the following: a. That the allegations of the petition under par. (a) have been established by clear and convincing evidence. b. That there is a relationship between the alcoholic or drug dependent condition and the pattern of conduct during the 12-month period immediately preceding the time of petition which is dangerous to the person or others and that this relationship has been established to a reasonable medical certainty. c. That there is an extreme likelihood that the pattern of conduct will continue or repeat itself without the intervention of involuntary treatment or institutionalization. 2. The court may not order commitment of a person unless it is shown by clear and convincing evidence that there is no suitable alternative available for the person and that the county department is able to provide appropriate and effective treatment for the individual. (h) A person committed under this subsection shall remain in the custody of the county department for treatment for a period set by the court, but not to exceed 90 days. During this period of commitment the county department may transfer the person from one approved public treatment facility or program to another as provided in par. (k). If the person has served in the U.S. armed forces or forces incorporated as part of the U.S. armed forces, the county department shall contact the U.S. department of veterans affairs to determine if the person is eligible for treatment at a U.S. department of veterans affairs facility. If the person is eligible for that treatment, the county department may transfer the person to that facility if the U.S. department of veterans affairs approves that transfer. At the end of the period set by the court, the person shall be discharged automatically unless the county department before expiration of the period obtains a court order for recommitment upon the grounds set forth in par. (a) for a further period not to exceed 6 months. If after examination it is determined that the person is likely to inflict physical harm on himself or herself or on another, the county department shall apply for recommitment. Only one recommitment order under this paragraph is permitted. (i) 1. If a court orders commitment of a person under this subsection, the court shall determine if, under 18 USC 922 (g) (4), the person is prohibited from possessing a firearm. If the person is prohibited, the court shall order the person not to possess a firearm, order the seizure of any firearm owned by the person, and inform the person of the requirements and penalties under s. 941.29. 2. a. If a court orders a person under subd. 1. not to possess a firearm, the person may petition that court or the court in the county where the person resides to cancel the order. b. The court considering the petition under subd. 2. a. shall grant the petition if the court determines that the circumstances regarding the commitment under this subsection and the person’s record and reputation indicate that the person is not likely to act in a manner dangerous to public safety and that the granting of the petition would not be contrary to public interest. c. If the court grants the petition under subd. 2. b., the court shall cancel the order under subd. 1. and order the return of any firearm ordered seized under subd. 1. 3. In lieu of ordering the seizure under subd. 1., the court may designate a person to store the firearm until the order under subd. 1. is canceled under subd. 2. c. 4. If the court orders under subd. 1. a person not to possess a firearm or cancels under subd. 2. c. an order issued under subd. 1., the court clerk shall notify the department of justice of the order or cancellation and provide any information identifying the person that is necessary to permit an accurate firearms restrictions record search under s. 175.35 (2g) (c), a background check under s. 175.60 (9g) (a), or an accurate response under s. 165.63. No other information from the person’s court records may be disclosed to the department of justice except by order of the court. The department of justice may disclose information provided under this subdivision only to respond to a request under s. 165.63, as part of a firearms restrictions record search under s. 175.35 (2g) (c), under rules the department of justice promulgates under s. 175.35 (2g) (d), or as part of a background check under s. 175.60 (9g) (a). (j) Upon the filing of a petition for recommitment under par. (h), the court shall fix a date for a recommitment hearing within 10 days and assure that the person sought to be recommitted is represented by counsel by referring the person to the state public defender, who shall appoint counsel for the person without a determination of indigency, as provided in s. 51.60. The provisions of par. (e) relating to notice and to access to records, names of witnesses, and summaries of their testimony shall apply to recommitment hearings under this paragraph. At the recommitment hearing, the court shall proceed as provided under pars. (f) and (g). (k) The county department shall provide for adequate and appropriate treatment of a person committed to its custody. Any person committed or recommitted to custody may be transferred by the county department from one approved public treatment facility or program to another upon the written application to the county department from the facility or program treating the person. Such application shall state the reasons why transfer to another facility or program is necessary to meet the treatment needs of the person. Notice of such transfer and the reasons therefor shall be given to the court, the person’s attorney and the person’s immediate family, if they can be located. (L) If an approved private treatment facility agrees with the request of a competent patient or a parent, sibling, adult child, or guardian to accept the patient for treatment, the county department may transfer the person to the private treatment facility. (m) A person committed under this section may at any time seek to be discharged from commitment by habeas corpus proceedings. (n) The venue for proceedings under this subsection is the place in which the person to be committed resides or is present. (o) All fees and expenses incurred under this section which are required to be assumed by the county shall be governed by s. 51.20 (19). (p) A record shall be made of all proceedings held under this subsection. Transcripts shall be made available under SCR 71.04. The county department may in any case request a transcript. (14) Confidentiality of records of patients. (a) Except as otherwise provided in s. 51.30, the registration and treatment records of alcoholism or drug dependence treatment programs and facilities shall remain confidential and are privileged to the patient. The application of s. 51.30 is limited by any rule promulgated under s. 51.30 (4) (c) for the purpose of protecting the confidentiality of alcoholism or drug dependence treatment records in conformity with federal requirements. (b) Any person who violates this subsection shall forfeit not more than $5,000. (15) Civil rights and liberties. (a) Except as provided in s. 51.61 (2), a person being treated under this section does not thereby lose any legal rights. (b) No provisions of this section may be deemed to contradict any rules or regulations governing the conduct of any inmate of a state or county correctional institution who is being treated in an alcoholic treatment program within the institution. (c) A private or public general hospital may not refuse admission or treatment to a person in need of medical services solely because that person is an “alcoholic,” is “drug dependent,” is “incapacitated by alcohol,” is “incapacitated by another drug,” or is an “intoxicated person” as defined in sub. (2). This paragraph does not require a hospital to admit or treat the person if the hospital does not ordinarily provide the services required by the person. A private or public general hospital which violates this paragraph shall forfeit not more than $500. (16) Payment for treatment. (a) Liability for payment for care, services and supplies provided under this section, the collection and enforcement of such payments, and the adjustment and settlement with the several counties for their proper share of all moneys collected under s. 46.10, shall be governed exclusively by s. 46.10. (b) Payment for treatment of persons treated under s. 302.38 shall be made under that section. (17) Applicability of other laws; procedure. (a) Nothing in this section affects any law, ordinance or rule the violation of which is punishable by fine, forfeiture or imprisonment. (b) All administrative procedure followed by the secretary in the implementation of this section shall be in accordance with ch. 227. (18) Construction. This section shall be so applied and construed as to effectuate its general purpose to make uniform the law with respect to the subject of this section insofar as possible among states which enact similar laws. (19) Short title. This section may be cited as the “Alcoholism, Drug Dependence, and Intoxication Treatment Act.”
Source: WI Statutes (Official Site)URL: https://docs.legis.wisconsin.gov/document/statutes/51.45Fetched: 10/7/2026
Wis. Stat. § 51.45 — Prevention and control of alcoholism and drug dependence | Wisconsin Statutes (updated through 2025 Wis. Act 247) | Corpus