5150 Holds

Provider Type

  • Physicians
  • Participating Physician Groups (PPG)
  • Hospitals
  • Ancillary

Under Section 5150 of the California Welfare and Institutions Code, a person who may be dangerous to self or others can be taken into custody and placed in an approved facility for a 72-hour treatment and evaluation. This is commonly referred to as a "5150 hold." Inpatient psychiatric coverage applies. 5150 holds are considered emergencies and should be handled like any other emergency inpatient hospitalization where the member cannot be immediately transferred. If the member is admitted to a non-participating facility and cannot be transferred until the 72-hour hold has expired, the situation should be monitored by Health Net. If continued inpatient care is required, the member should be transferred to a participating facility when it is safe to do so. Prior authorization is not required for emergency care; however, providers are encouraged to contact Health Net to report emergency encounters and admissions, and to coordinate post-stabilization care.