Mason v. U.M. CA3

BACKGROUND

Appellant was admitted to the Sutter-Yuba Behavioral Health Psychiatric Facility in July 2021 on a hold under Welfare and Institutions Code section 5150. On July 7, 2021, Sutter-Yuba Behavioral Health Services filed a petition and declaration regarding capacity to refuse antipsychotic medication. The hearing was held on July 8, 2021. Both appellant and his treating psychiatrist, Meekile N. Mason, testified at the hearing. At the conclusion of the hearing, the judge signed an order determining that appellant lacked capacity to refuse antipsychotic medication and concluding that appellant was unaware of his situation, unable to understand the risks and benefits of treatment, and incapable of rational thought processes which would allow him to make an informed decision regarding treatment. Appellant filed a timely notice of appeal, conceding that his appeal may be moot because he is no longer being detained.

DISCUSSION

We appointed counsel to represent appellant on appeal. His counsel filed a brief summarizing the proceedings and stating that he found no arguable issues but nevertheless requesting that we independently review the record on appeal. Counsel notes our…