In re L.K.

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Date: 2020.05.19
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Appellate Court
In re L.K., 2019 IL App (1st) 163156Appellate Court In re L.K., a Person Found Subject to Involuntary Admission (The
Caption People of the State of Illinois, Petitioner-Appellee, v. L.K.,
Respondent-Appellant).
District & No. First District, Third Division
No. 1-16-3156
Filed November 27, 2019
Decision Under Appeal from the Circuit Court of Cook County, No. 16-COMH-3259;
Review the Hon. Margarita Kulys-Hoffman, Judge, presiding.
Judgment Reversed.
Counsel on Veronique Baker and Ann Krasuski, of Illinois Guardianship &
Appeal Advocacy Commission, of Hines, for appellant.
Kimberly M. Foxx, State’s Attorney, of Chicago (Alan J. Spellberg,
Assistant State’s Attorney, of counsel), for the People.
Panel JUSTICE HOWSE delivered the judgment of the court, with opinion.
Presiding Justice Ellis and Justice Cobbs concurred in the judgment
and opinion.
OPINION
¶1 In September 2016, the State filed a petition for the involuntary admission of respondent,
L.K., on an inpatient basis to a mental health facility. The statutory basis alleged in the petition
for respondent’s involuntary admission was that a mental illness rendered respondent unable
to provide for his basic physical needs. At the trial of the petition, the State’s expert witness
did not opine that respondent was unable to provide for his basic physical needs, as alleged in
the petition. Instead, the State’s expert testified that, due to mental illness, respondent was
expected to cause physical harm to himself or another, which is a different statutory basis for
involuntary admission that was not alleged in the petition. The trial court found respondent
subject to involuntary admission because he is unable to provide for his basic physical needs
and because he is expected to cause physical harm to himself or another.
¶2 For the following reasons, we reverse.
¶3 I. BACKGROUND
¶4 The petition filed in this case is a form petition that gave the petitioner the option to allege
that (1) respondent is “a person with mental illness who: because of his or her illness is
reasonably expected, unless treated on an inpatient basis, to engage in conduct placing such
person or another in physical harm or in reasonable expectation of being physically harmed”
or (2) respondent is “a person with mental illness who: because of his or her illness is unable
to provide for his or her basic physical needs so as to guard himself or herself from serious
harm without the assistance of family or others, unless treated on an inpatient basis” and that
respondent was “in need of immediate hospitalization for the prevention of harm.” The form
petition filed in this case checked off only the second option: that respondent was unable to
provide for his own basic needs. The petition asked for the basis of the assertion about
respondent. The petition against respondent states as the basis, “non-compliance with treatment
and unwilling to provide collateral information.”
¶5 The petition states that a “Certificate of Examination” is attached to the petition. A
document titled “Inpatient Certificate” is attached and states that a psychiatrist examined
respondent at Mt. Sinai Hospital. The Inpatient Certificate is also a form certificate and
provides an option for the examiner to state that, based on his or her examination, the examinee
is “[a] person with mental illness who, because of his or her illness is reasonably expected,
unless treated on an inpatient basis, to engage in conduct placing such person or another in
physical harm or in reasonable expectation of being physically harmed.” That option is not
checked on respondent’s Inpatient Certificate. The option checked on the Inpatient Certificate
of respondent’s examination states that, based on the examination, the examiner is of the
opinion that respondent is
“[a] person with mental illness who, because of his or her illness is unable to provide
for his or her basic physical needs so as to guard himself or herself form serious harm,
without the assistance of family or others, unless treated on an inpatient basis; a person
with mental illness who: refuses treatment or is not adhering adequately to prescribed
treatment; because of the nature of his or her illness is unable to understand his or her
need for treatment; and if not treated on an inpatient basis, is reasonably expected based
on his or her behavioral history, to suffer mental or emotional deterioration and is
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reasonably expected, after such deterioration to meet the criteria of either paragraph
one or paragraph two above.”
(The option that was checked was “paragraph two.”) The Inpatient Certificate also has the box
checked that reads respondent “[i]s in need of immediate hospitalization for the prevention of
such harm.” The Inpatient Certificate states that the examiner based her opinion on a diagnosis
of schizophrenia and that respondent was very paranoid, with poor reality testing; exhibited
poor self-care; was easily agitated; was unable to care for himself; and could not guard himself
from harm.
¶6 The record contains a second Inpatient Certificate of an examination of respondent
conducted on the same day as the examination referenced in the Inpatient Certificate attached
to the petition. According to the Inpatient Certificates, the examination referenced in the
Inpatient Certificate attached to the petition occurred at 11:33 a.m., and the examination
referenced in the second Inpatient Certificate in the record occurred on the same day at 8 p.m.
(20:00 hours). The second examination was conducted by a different psychiatrist and occurred
at Madden Mental Health Center, which is the facility to which respondent was admitted. The
second Inpatient Certificate states that, based on an examination of respondent, it was the
examiner’s opinion that respondent was:
“A person with mental illness who, because of his or her illness is reasonably
expected, unless treated on an inpatient basis, to engage in conduct placing such person
or another in physical harm or in reasonable expectation of being physically harm;
[and]
A person with mental illness who: refused treatment or is not adhering adequately
to prescribed treatment; because of the nature of his or her illness is unable to
understand his or her need for treatment; and if not treated on an inpatient basis, is
reasonably expected based on his or her behavioral history, to suffer mental or
emotional deterioration and is reasonably expected, after such deterioration, to meet
the criteria of either paragraph one or paragraph two above; [and]
is in need of immediate hospitalization for the prevention of such harm.”
The second Inpatient Certificate states that the second psychiatrist’s opinion was based on a
finding that “patient is psychotic, mute, non-cooperative, cannot take care of himself.”
¶7 The petition to involuntarily admit respondent proceeded to a trial. Respondent represented
himself at that trial. The State called respondent’s father and Dr. Gabriel Valdes to testify. Dr.
Valdes testified as an expert in psychiatry. Respondent was Dr. Valdes’s patient at Madden.
Dr. Valdes testified he tried to engage respondent three times per week but he had “yet to have
a conversation with him because he often times just does not respond to any of my questions
or inquiries.” Dr. Valdes’s opinion, based on a reasonable degree of psychiatric certainty, was
that respondent suffered from schizophrenia and that respondent was then currently
symptomatic. Dr. Valdes testified that, based on his conversations with respondent’s father,
respondent may have begun suffering from schizophrenia as early as a year before the trial.
Dr. Valdes testified that around that time respondent “began to experience symptoms of
delusions and paranoia.”
¶8 Dr. Valdes testified that this was respondent’s first hospitalization that he was aware of.
The doctor noted that the previous prescription of psychotropic medication led to the
assumption that respondent may have been diagnosed with a major mental illness. The State
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asked Dr. Valdes how respondent’s symptoms supported the diagnosis of schizophrenia. Dr.
Valdes answered that respondent was
“showing a lot of negative symptoms of schizophrenia with social withdraw; catatonic
behavior where he assumes postures for extended periods of time, where he does not
move at all; selective mutism where he does not respond to questions when prodded.
There’s also a great deal of avoidance, and some of it can be easily interpreted as
paranoia where he just simply avoids people or any kind of observations from people
or any observation directed at him from people as a result of concerns that *** people
may be trying to harm him in some way.”
Dr. Valdes testified that much of his evaluation had been based on respondent’s behavior. Dr.
Valdes observed that respondent’s behavior indicated there was some symptomology going
on, including that any time Dr. Valdes saw respondent outside of his room, respondent was
covering his face. Respondent covered his face even when eating, such that “you don’t actually
see him putting food in his mouth.” Also, whenever Dr. Valdes saw respondent in his room,
respondent was “covered from head to toe assuming a fetal-like position *** and does not
respond in any kind of way; and also does not seem to move at all, not even twitch, in response
to any questions.” Dr. Valdes testified that respondent had not been able to express his thoughts
to him.
¶9 Dr. Valdes testified that it was his opinion, to a reasonable degree of psychiatric certainty,
that, because of respondent’s mental illness, respondent was reasonably expected to engage in
conduct placing himself or another in physical harm or a reasonable expectation of physical
harm unless respondent was treated on an inpatient basis. Dr. Valdes testified that respondent
had been refusing treatment “on many different levels.” He explained that respondent had
refused medication and “other interventions that are considered routine on the unit.” For
example, respondent had “showered maybe once weekly, despite strong encouragement by
staff to maintain his hygiene. And as far as his food intake, [respondent had] increased his
caloric intake since he has been in the hospital, but at first he would only eat about half of what
he was given.” Dr. Valdes testified that respondent is not able to understand his need for
medication. He testified that, if not treated on an inpatient basis, respondent will suffer the
mental or emotional deterioration that had been occurring for the prior year or longer. In an
unstructured setting, there is a reasonable expectation respondent would misinterpret other
people’s behaviors or intentions and respond in an aggressive manner.
¶ 10 Dr. Valdes testified that it was his recommendation that respondent continue inpatient
hospitalization. When asked if less restrictive alternatives had been explored, Dr. Valdes
testified they had been explored but they would be inappropriate for respondent, based on his
mental condition at the time, because respondent
“refused to *** perform basic functions, and he shows a great deal of abolition or lack
of initiative, which would put him at a detriment in terms of him being able to provide
for some of his basic needs, again, in a less structured setting where basic things may
be provided for him.”
¶ 11 On cross-examination, respondent, acting pro se, asked Dr. Valdes if he would say that
respondent was “normal right now or would you say I’m symptomatic.” Dr. Valdes answered
that respondent at that point was symptomatic. The symptoms of schizophrenia that Dr. Valdes
testified respondent was showing during his cross-examination were poor insight and poor
judgment. Dr. Valdes testified respondent showed those symptoms in
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“the way you are essentially failing to acknowledge some of the behavior that came
before; and the fact that you are failing to acknowledge the fact that the behavior that
we have been engaging in with each other and you with other staff on the unit
throughout the time that you have been in the hospital, that you are not able to address
that as having been abnormal.”
Respondent asked Dr. Valdes if respondent’s behavior was “abnormal right now?” Dr. Valdes
answered, “As we are speaking right now, you’re saying? No, at this point [you] are not
showing necessarily acute abnormal behavior.” Respondent asked Dr. Valdes to explain his
testimony that respondent was symptomatic at the time. Dr. Valdes testified he was only seeing
a snapshot and that a full evaluation was needed to determine if respondent was “able to engage
in the way that normal people would be able to,” but at that very moment, respondent was not
conducting himself in a way that was acutely disorganized.
¶ 12 Respondent asked Dr. Valdes whether he would say that respondent was lacking as far as
providing for his own basic needs. Dr. Valdes testified “I’m not sure that that’s necessarily
one of the things that we are trying to imply here. It’s more of a threat to others.” (Emphasis
added.) Respondent asked, “Oh, okay. So you don’t think that I have a problem providing my
basic needs?” Dr. Valdes answered, “I think you can probably manage on your own, yes.”
(Emphasis added.) Respondent asked Dr. Valdes what symptoms of schizophrenia respondent
had. Dr. Valdes testified he had established that respondent displayed “negative symptoms” of
schizophrenia, that based on respondent’s behavior he was likely suffering delusions of
persecution, and that Dr. Valdes had established respondent had disorganized behavior, which
was most likely indicative of disorganized thinking.
¶ 13 On redirect examination, Dr. Valdes was asked to explain how respondent’s behavior in
court could be different from Dr. Valdes’s observations of respondent while in the medical
unit. Dr. Valdes testified “certain symptoms can be controlled for short periods of time.” Dr.
Valdes testified they sometimes allow patients to remain in the unit for as long as they need to
“until we are able to establish a firmer diagnosis.” Dr. Valdes testified they had been able to
do that with respondent “because he has been there for a long time.” Respondent’s behavior
had consistently shown “symptoms of negative symptomatology,” and his “behavior has been
diagnosed to the point that it shows dysfunctionality.” Dr. Valdes testified that in his
observations of respondent over an eight-hour period, respondent spends seven hours of the
day “lying in bed covered from head to toe with his blanket.”
¶ 14 After the trial, the trial court orally ruled that the State had met its burden. The court stated:
“I think there is evidence that the Respondent is reasonably expected, unless treated on
an inpatient basis, to engage in conduct placing such person or another person in
physical harm or in reasonable expectation of being physically harmed; and unable to
provide for his or her basic physical needs so as to guard himself or herself from serious
harm without the assistance of family or other.”
The court stated it was going to grant the petition and order respondent hospitalized in the
Department of Human Services mental health center for a period not to exceed 90 days.
¶ 15 The trial court entered a written order finding:
“That the Respondent is subject to involuntary admission on an inpatient basis
because in accordance with Section 1-119 of the Mental Health and Disabilities Code,
he or she is a person with mental illness and who because of that mental illness is:
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1. Reasonably expected, unless treated on an inpatient basis, to engage in conduct
placing such person or another in physical harm or in reasonable expectation of being
physically harmed.
2. Unable to provide for his or her basic physical needs so as to guard himself or
herself from serious harm without the assistance of family or others unless treated on
an inpatient basis.
3. A person with mental illness who (i) refuses treatment or is not adhering to
prescribed treatment; (ii) because of the nature of his or her illness, is unable to
understand his or her need for treatment; and (iii) if not treated on an inpatient basis, is
reasonably expected, based on his or her behavioral history, to suffer mental or
emotional deterioration and is reasonably expected, after such deterioration, to meet
the criteria of paragraph (1) or (2) above.”
¶ 16 This appeal followed.
¶ 17 II. ANALYSIS
¶ 18 The first issue we must address is whether respondent’s appeal should be dismissed as
moot. “An appeal is moot if it involves no actual controversy or the reviewing court cannot
grant the complaining party effectual relief.” Deutsche Bank National Trust Co. v. Roman,
2019 IL App (1st) 171296, ¶ 21. The State’s position is that, due to the expiration of the
involuntary admission order, the case is moot because this court can no longer grant respondent
any meaningful relief and no exception to the mootness doctrine applies. Respondent conceded
the involuntary admission order was entered for a period of 90 days, which have expired, and
thus the case is moot. See In re Maureen D., 2015 IL App (1st) 141517, ¶ 20 (and cases cited
therein). Nonetheless respondent argues the case falls within the “public interest” and
“collateral consequences” exceptions to the mootness doctrine.
¶ 19 The public interest exception “permits review of an otherwise moot appeal when three
requirements are met: (1) the question presented must be public rather than case-specific in
nature; (2) an authoritative determination is needed to guide public officers in future cases; and
(3) there is a likelihood the issue will recur.” In re Linda B., 2017 IL 119392, ¶ 19. “The
collateral consequences exception to mootness allows for appellate review, even though a court
order *** has ceased, because a plaintiff has suffered, or [is] threatened with, an actual injury
traceable to the defendant and likely to be redressed by a favorable judicial decision.” (Internal
quotation marks omitted.) In re Alfred H.H., 233 Ill. 2d 345, 361 (2009). Application of the
collateral consequences exception “requires *** that continuing ‘collateral consequences’ ***
be either proved or presumed.” (Internal quotation marks omitted.) Id. Additionally,
“[c]ollateral consequences must be identified that could stem solely from the present
adjudication.” (Internal quotation marks omitted.) In re Rita P., 2014 IL 115798, ¶ 34.
¶ 20 This court has jurisdiction over an appeal that is moot if it falls within any one of the
recognized exceptions to the mootness doctrine. See In re H.P., 2019 IL App (5th) 150302,
¶ 15; see also In re Beverly B., 2017 IL App (2d) 160327, ¶ 19 (“Because the order at issue
here has expired and because we do not generally decide moot questions, we must consider the
extent to which respondent’s claims fall under any exception to the mootness doctrine before
we may address the merits of her claims.” (Emphasis added.)). A “specific appeal of a mental
health case will usually fall within one of the established exceptions to the mootness doctrine.”
In re Alfred H.H., 233 Ill. 2d at 355. However, “there is no per se exception to mootness that
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universally applies to mental health cases.” Id. “Whether an appeal should be dismissed as
moot presents a question of law, which we review de novo.” In re Linda B., 2015 IL App (1st)
132134, ¶ 11.
¶ 21 Respondent argues that the collateral consequences exception applies because “the order
here could affect [respondent] adversely in his efforts to obtain employment if it is not
reversed.” Specifically, respondent argues he could be precluded from obtaining certain
professional licenses. Respondent also relies upon the decision in Alfred H.H., in which our
supreme court recognized that “the collateral consequences exception to the mootness doctrine
is applicable in mental health cases and has been recognized by a host of Illinois court opinions,
including opinions of this court.” In re Alfred H.H., 233 Ill. 2d at 361-62. The court noted
“there are a host of potential legal benefits to *** a reversal” of an adjudication as a person
subject to involuntary admission to a mental health facility, including that “the reversal could
affect the ability of a respondent to seek employment in certain fields.” Id. at 362. The court
cautioned, however, that the application of the collateral consequences exception “is still
decided on a case-by-case basis.” Id.¶ 22 In this case, the State argues that the collateral consequences exception does not apply
because the same restrictions on respondent’s ability to pursue certain professional careers
stemming from his involuntary commitment would also result from a subsequent order for the
involuntary administration of psychotropic medication, which respondent did not appeal. That
order is not contained in the record on appeal. Rather, the State included the order in the
appendix to its brief. Respondent moved to strike the document from the State’s brief on the
grounds that (1) the State failed to redact respondent’s name from the document in violation
of section 11(vi) of the Mental Health and Developmental Disabilities Confidentiality Act
(Act) (740 ILCS 110/11(vi) (West 2018)) and Illinois Supreme Court Rule 364(c)(5) (eff. July
1, 2017) and (2) the State appended the order to its brief without citing authority, seeking leave
from this court, filing a motion to supplement the record, or asking this court to take judicial
notice. This court ordered respondent’s motion to be taken with this case.
¶ 23 Illinois Supreme Court Rule 341(f) (eff. May 25, 2018) reads, in pertinent part, as follows:
“In all appeals involving juveniles filed from proceedings under the Juvenile Court
Act or the Adoption Act, and in all appeals under the Mental Health and Developmental
Disabilities Code, the Mental Health and Developmental Disabilities Confidentiality
Act, or from actions for collection of fees for mental health services, the respective
juvenile or recipient of mental-health services shall be identified by first name and last
initial or by initials only.
The preferred method is the first name and last initial. The alternative method of
initials only is to be used when, due to an unusual first name or spelling, the preferred
method would create a substantial risk of revealing the individual’s identity. The name
of the involved juvenile or recipient of services shall not appear in the brief.”
Next, Rule 364(c)(5) reads, in pertinent part, as follows:
“[I]n appeals filed from proceedings referenced in Rule 341(f), rather than redaction,
the respective juvenile or recipient of mental health services shall be identified by first
name and last initial, except that initials only shall be used when, due to an unusual
first name or spelling, using the first name and last initial would create a substantial
risk of revealing the individual’s identity.” Ill. S. Ct. R. 364(c)(5) (eff. July 1, 2017).
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¶ 24 The State failed to redact respondent’s name from the “Order for Administration of
Authorized Involuntary Treatment” attached to its brief. Moreover, this court has consistently
held that the record on appeal cannot be supplemented by attaching documents to the appendix
of a brief. See, e.g., Marzouki v. Najar-Marzouki, 2014 IL App (1st) 132841, ¶ 20.
Respondent’s motion to strike is granted. The order contained in the appendix to the State’s
brief will be disregarded. See Allstate Insurance Co. v. Kovar, 363 Ill. App. 3d 493, 499 (2006).
The State’s brief will be placed under seal to protect respondent’s identity.
¶ 25 Regardless of the striking of the order for medication, respondent argues that “an order for
medication does not carry the same collateral consequences as a commitment order.”
Specifically, there is no evidence that the medication order included an order to notify the
Illinois State Police that respondent was subject to involuntary admission. Moreover, a
medication order carries different implications than a commitment order in that “a commitment
order stems in part from the State’s police authority to protect society from dangerous persons,”
while a medication order “stems solely from the State’s parens patriae power to care for its
residents.” Respondent also asserts that the reversal of a commitment order invalidates a
medication order. In In re John N., 364 Ill. App. 3d 996, 997 (2006), the trial court found the
respondent subject to involuntary admission and later also found the respondent subject to
involuntary administration of psychotropic medication. The court noted that pursuant to
statute, “a court may authorize administration of involuntary treatment to a ‘recipient of
services.’ [Citation.]” Id. at 998. The court concluded that “the circuit court’s order [for
medication] was dependent upon the respondent currently receiving treatment as an inpatient
at a mental health facility.” Id. The court held that because it “reversed the order concerning
the respondent’s involuntary admission, he will no longer be receiving *** treatment at the
mental health facility and therefore no longer qualifies as a ‘recipient of services’ for
involuntary administration of medication.” Id.; see also 405 ILCS 5/2-107.1(a-5) (West 2018)
(“psychotropic medication *** may be administered to an adult recipient of services on an
inpatient or outpatient basis without the informed consent of the recipient”); In re Carol B.,
2017 IL App (4th) 160604, ¶ 67 (“[B]ecause we have reversed the trial court’s involuntary-
admission order, [the] respondent no longer qualifies as a ‘[r]ecipient of services’ for the
administration of involuntary treatment *** [citation]. [Citation.] We therefore also reverse the
court’s involuntary-medication order.”).
¶ 26 In this case, we similarly find that any order for medication arose from the involuntary
admission. Despite the lack of a current appeal, respondent could seek to invalidate the order
for medication based on an order invalidating the order for involuntary admission. Cf. People
v. Madison, 2014 IL App (1st) 131950, ¶ 16 (because finding that the respondent was unfit to
stand trial “will remain regardless of the outcome of this appeal, it is unclear how resolution
of the issues [the respondent] raises could alleviate any of the claimed collateral consequences
she identifies”). Here, to the extent respondent’s “consequences” arise from the order from
medication, as the State argues, respondent is “threatened with an actual injury” traceable to
the order for admission that is “likely to be redressed by a favorable decision” in this case. See
In re Alfred H.H., 233 Ill. 2d at 361. Moreover, respondent has not relied upon “vague
unsupported statements that collateral consequences might plague [him] in the future.” In re
Deborah S., 2015 IL App (1st) 123596, ¶ 23 (citing In re Rita P., 2014 IL 115798, ¶¶ 33-34).
Respondent has pointed to specific concerns related to licensure in professions, which the
record supports finding respondent has pursued. See id. ¶ 25 (“respondent’s ability to seek
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employment similar to that she has held in the past would be negatively impacted by the
involuntary admission order”). Accordingly, for all the foregoing reasons, we find, “based on
a case-by-case analysis of the particular facts and circumstances of this case, the collateral
consequences exception applies here and we will address the merits of [respondent’s]
substantive arguments.” Id.
¶ 27 Substantively, respondent argues that the order must be reversed because the petition in
this case alleged respondent was unable to provide for his basic physical needs, but the State
failed to offer any evidence in support of that allegation. Instead, the State attempted to prove
that respondent was reasonably expected to place himself or another in physical harm, which
was not alleged in the petition.
¶ 28 In its response brief, the State concedes “it was error for the trial court to find respondent
subject to involuntary commitment based on theories that were not alleged in the petition.” See
In re Joseph S., 339 Ill. App. 3d 599, 606-07 (2003) (“It is reversible error when the pleadings
allege one of the two statutory bases for involuntary admission but the arguments at trial and
the findings relate solely to the other basis; they are distinct, and one cannot plead one cause
of action but prove another.” (citing In re Moore, 292 Ill. App. 3d 1069, 1071-72 (1997))).
Nonetheless, the State argues that the evidence was sufficient to prove the allegation in the
petition that respondent was unable to provide for his basic needs. The State admits it never
asked Dr. Valdes specifically if respondent could provide for his basic needs but argues that
viewing the evidence in a light most favorable to the State, the trial court’s finding that
respondent is unable to provide for his basic physical needs is not against the manifest weight
of the evidence. See In re Hannah E., 376 Ill. App. 3d 648, 661 (2007) (“The standard of
review for an involuntary commitment proceeding is whether the judgment is against the
manifest weight of the evidence. [Citations.] The trial court’s decision is afforded great
deference, particularly because it is in a superior position to see the witnesses, hear their
testimony, determine their credibility and weigh the evidence. [Citations.] Absent a showing
that it is against the manifest weight of the evidence, the trial court’s decision will not be set
aside, even if the reviewing court would have ruled differently.”).
¶ 29 Respondent, citing In re Shirley M., 368 Ill. App. 3d 1187, 1194 (2006), asserts the State
was required to elicit explicit medical testimony in support of the petition, and he argues that
in this case the record contains no factual evidence and no expert opinion that respondent could
not care for his basic physical needs. In Shirley M., the court wrote: “Expert opinion regarding
mental illness and inability to guard oneself from harm must be in the form of explicit medical
testimony, based upon a clear and convincing factual basis.” (Internal quotation marks
omitted.) Id.“A showing of the need for involuntary mental health treatment must be based upon
explicit medical testimony. In re Cochran, 139 Ill. App. 3d 198, 200, 487 N.E.2d 389,
391 (1985). ‘Both the facts upon which the medical opinion is based and the medical
testimony upon which the decision *** is based must be established by clear and
convincing evidence.’ In re Cochran, 139 Ill. App. 3d at 200, 487 N.E.2d at 391, citing
People v. Sansone, 18 Ill. App. 3d 315, 326, 309 N.E.2d 733, 741 (1974).” In re
Phillip E., 385 Ill. App. 3d 278, 284 (2008).
See also In re Alaka W., 379 Ill. App. 3d 251, 267-68 (2008). In Alaka W., the court held as
follows:
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“Even if [the respondent’s] behavior does indicate a mental illness, ‘a finding of mental
illness alone cannot sustain an order requiring commitment to a mental hospital for
treatment.’ [Citation.] Instead, ‘[t]o support an order of commitment for treatment, the
State *** must submit an explicit medical opinion asserting that as a direct result of
such mental illness, the person presently is unable to care for his physical well-being.
Additionally, the medical opinion must be based upon direct observation of the
person’s conduct.’ ” Id. at 268 (quoting In re Love, 48 Ill. App. 3d 517, 520 (1977)).
¶ 30 This case is distinguishable from In re Joseph S., in which this court held that, despite the
fact the trial court erred in allegedly finding the respondent subject to involuntary admission
based on a statutory basis not alleged in the petition (that he was a danger to himself or others),
reversal was not required where there was sufficient evidence to sustain the trial court’s finding
of the alternate statutory basis that was alleged in the petition (that he was unable to provide
for his basic physical needs). In re Joseph S., 339 Ill. App. 3d at 606-07. In Joseph S., the
State’s expert witness discussed the alternate statutory basis (that the respondent was unable
to provide for his basis physical needs) “at length.” Id. at 607. The expert in that case expressly
“stated that [the] respondent was unable to take care of his basic physical needs due to his
delusional thinking causing him to misinterpret reality.” Id. at 603. Thus, the Joseph S. court
held “the State here sought and received a finding by the court that respondent was unable to
care for his physical needs,” and accordingly, the statutory basis that was alleged in the petition
was “argued at the hearing and found by the trial court.” Id. at 607. In this case, the State does
not point to explicit medical opinion testimony that respondent was unable to care for his basic
physical needs, nor do we find any such testimony in the record. Indeed, when respondent
asked the expert on cross-examination whether respondent could provide for his basic needs,
the expert stated, “I think you can probably manage on your own, yes.” The State admits it
“never asked Dr. Valdes specifically if respondent could care for his basic needs. Accordingly,
based on the foregoing authorities, we must find that the State failed to meet its burden to prove
respondent was unable to provide for his basic physical needs. As this was the sole basis
alleged in the petition for his involuntary admission to a mental health facility, the trial court’s
order is reversed.
¶ 31 III. CONCLUSION
¶ 32 For the foregoing reasons, the circuit court of Cook County is reversed.
¶ 33 Reversed.
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