In re L.A.

¶ 1. Patient L.A. appeals from a family court decision granting the Commissioner of the Department of Health’s petition for involuntary psychiatric medication. Patient argues that the trial court erred by applying the wrong standard to determine whether he is competent to refuse medication. The family court ruled that patient was incompetent because he refused beneficial medications. We reverse and remand for a new hearing because the involuntary medication statute mandates that the family court decide whether patient is capable of making a decision about medication and appreciating its…