Neal

I. BACKGROUND

This appeal marks the latest chapter in Neal’s years-long dispute with the Regents. The relevant events were set in motion in November 2016, when Neal presented to the emergency room of UC Davis Medical Center, complaining of chest pains. During the course of that emergency room visit, Neal was placed on an involuntary psychiatric hold pursuant to Welfare and Institutions Code section 5150 (the 5150 hold).1 He was transferred by ambulance to the Sacramento County Mental Health Treatment Center, where he was given a patient advisory that said he was being held for refusing to take medication and a handbook describing his rights as a patient. Neal was released shortly thereafter. Neal sued the Regents in October 2019 in the first of three separate actions, all arising from the 5150 hold. (Sacramento County case No. 34-2019-00267042.) Neal’s first amended complaint in the first action alleged false imprisonment and battery, among other things. The Regents demurred and the trial court sustained the demurrer without leave to amend on various grounds, including the statutory immunity provided by Welfare and Institutions Code section 5278 and the applicable statute of…