Georgia 1013 Form

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What Is a Georgia 1013?

Form 1013 is formally called the Certificate Authorizing Transport to Emergency Receiving Facility and Report of Transportation. An authorized professional uses it after personally examining someone and determining that the person appears to have a mental illness requiring involuntary treatment. The form authorizes transportation to a designated emergency receiving facility.

A 1013 is sometimes called a psychiatric hold, although the form primarily authorizes emergency transport and mental health evaluation. It does not establish a diagnosis or authorize indefinite detention. The receiving facility must conduct its own assessment within the period allowed by Georgia law.

Who Can Sign a 1013 in Georgia?

Under O.C.G.A. § 37-3-41, a Georgia physician may execute a 1013 after examining the person within the preceding 48 hours. The law also authorizes licensed psychologists, clinical social workers, professional counselors, marriage and family therapists, and psychiatric or mental health clinical nurse specialists.

A probate court may issue an order directing law enforcement to transport someone for an evaluation. Peace officers also have limited authority when a person is committing a penal offense and there is probable cause to believe the individual has a mental illness requiring involuntary treatment. Family members cannot sign Form 1013 themselves.

What Criteria Have to Be Met?

A diagnosis alone does not satisfy the standard for involuntary treatment. The person generally must present a substantial risk of imminent harm to themselves or others, as shown through recent actions or threats. Someone may also qualify when they are unable to protect their physical health and safety, creating an imminently life-endangering crisis.

The authorized professional must personally examine the individual and document observations supporting the decision. The issue is whether the current symptoms and risks require involuntary care. Refusing treatment by itself does not establish that standard.

How Long Does a 1013 Last?

A signed Georgia 1013 form expires seven days after execution if the person has not been apprehended and transported. Once the person arrives at an emergency receiving facility, a physician must examine them as soon as possible and within 48 hours. The facility must then discharge the individual, accept a voluntary admission, or complete the next legal step.

The phrase “72-hour hold” can be misleading. The initial emergency examination period is up to 48 hours. If a Form 1014 is executed, the facility generally has another 24 hours to transport the patient to an evaluating facility.

What Is a Form 1014? What About a 2013?

A Form 1014 is completed when an examining physician or psychologist concludes that someone may require further involuntary treatment. It authorizes transfer from the emergency receiving facility to an evaluating facility. That facility then has up to five days, excluding weekends and holidays, to evaluate the person and determine what should happen next.

Form 2013 is the substance use counterpart to Form 1013. Under O.C.G.A. § 37-7-41, it applies when someone appears to have an alcohol or drug-related condition requiring involuntary treatment. The forms address different primary reasons for emergency intervention.

Your Loved One’s Rights During a 1013

A person on a 1013 cannot simply leave before the authorized evaluation is completed. They retain important rights during the process. Georgia law requires the facility to provide written notice explaining the reasons for admission and the person’s legal rights.

These rights include access to legal counsel. If the matter proceeds to a court hearing and the person cannot afford an attorney, the court may appoint one. Clinical records are also subject to privacy protections, although disclosures may occur when authorized or legally required.

How to Get Help for Someone in Crisis in Georgia

Call 911 when someone is in immediate physical danger or requires emergency medical care. You can also call or text the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline for guidance during a behavioral health crisis. In Georgia, 988 calls connect with the Georgia Crisis and Access Line network.

GCAL is also available directly at 1-800-715-4225. Its counselors can help families understand local crisis services and may coordinate mobile crisis support when appropriate. Give responders clear information about recent threats, actions, access to weapons, and the person’s immediate condition.

What Happens Once a 1013 Ends?

The person may be discharged if the evaluation does not support continued involuntary care. They may also agree to remain voluntarily for treatment. If the clinical team believes further involuntary evaluation is necessary, a Form 1014 may be executed.

After evaluation at the next facility, the person may be discharged or enter treatment voluntarily. The facility may petition the probate court if it believes continued involuntary treatment is needed. That process includes additional procedural protections and the right to counsel.

How Time Wellness Georgia Supports Families After a Crisis

Emergency stabilization addresses immediate safety. Many people need continued care after leaving the hospital to understand what contributed to the crisis and reduce the chance of another episode. Time Wellness Georgia offers PHP, IOP, outpatient, and virtual programming.

Treatment may include psychiatric care, medication management, and family support. The appropriate level of care depends on current safety, clinical needs, and the discharge recommendations. Time Wellness does not replace an emergency receiving facility and should not be used instead of emergency services during an active crisis.