2005 Arizona Revised Statutes - Revised Statutes §36-533  Petition for treatment

A. The petition for court-ordered treatment shall allege:

1. That the patient is in need of a period of treatment because the patient, as a result of mental disorder, is a danger to self or to others, is persistently or acutely disabled or is gravely disabled.

2. The treatment alternatives which are appropriate or available.

3. That the patient is unwilling to accept or incapable of accepting treatment voluntarily.

B. The petition shall be accompanied by the affidavits of the two physicians who conducted the examinations during the evaluation period and by the affidavit of the applicant for the evaluation, if any. The affidavits of the physicians shall describe in detail the behavior which indicates that the person, as a result of mental disorder, is a danger to self or to others, is persistently or acutely disabled or is gravely disabled and shall be based upon the physician's examination of the patient and the physician's study of information about the patient. A summary of the facts which support the allegations of the petition shall be included.

C. The petition shall request the court to issue an order requiring the person to undergo a period of treatment.

D. In cases of grave disability the petition shall also include:

1. A statement that in the opinion of the petitioner the gravely disabled person does or does not require guardianship or conservatorship, or both, under the provisions of title 14 and the reasons on which the statement is based.

2. A request that the court order an independent investigation and report for the court if in the opinion of the petitioner the person does require guardianship or conservatorship, or both.

3. A statement that in the opinion of the petitioner the gravely disabled person does or does not require temporary guardianship or conservatorship, or both, and the reasons on which the statement is based.

4. A request that the court appoint a temporary guardian or conservator, or both, if in the opinion of the petitioner the person does require temporary guardianship or conservatorship, or both.

E. A copy of the petition in cases of grave disability shall be mailed to the public fiduciary in the county of the patient's residence or in which the patient was found before evaluation and to any person nominated as guardian or conservator.

F. A copy of all petitions shall be mailed to the superintendent of the Arizona state hospital.