Who is authorized to release a person who has been under 72-hour treatment for mental health issues?

• A. A nurse in charge of the patient's care
• B. The psychiatrist directly responsible for the patient's treatment
• C. A social worker at the facility
• D. The patient's primary care physician

Answer: (B)

The individual authorized to release a person who has undergone 72-hour treatment for mental health issues is the psychiatrist directly responsible for the patient's treatment. This authority stems from the psychiatrist's role in evaluating the patient's mental health status and determining whether they meet the criteria for release based on their diagnosis, treatment response, and ongoing risk factors. Psychiatrists have specialized training and licensure that equip them to make these critical decisions, ensuring that the patient’s safety and well-being are prioritized.

While nurses, social workers, and primary care physicians have essential roles within the mental health treatment team, they do not possess the same level of authority regarding the decision to release a patient from acute treatment. Nurses may administer care and monitor patient progress, social workers can provide support and resources, and primary care physicians may offer input based on their relationship with the patient, but the final determination for release in this context is ultimately the psychiatrist's responsibility. This ensures that decisions are made by someone with the appropriate expertise and legal authority to assess the complexities of mental health treatment and patient safety.