In Re The Detention Of: G.s. ( 2021 )

Filed
Washington State
Court of Appeals
Division Two
March 16, 2021
IN THE COURT OF APPEALS OF THE STATE OF WASHINGTON
DIVISION II
In the Matter of the Detention of: No. 53766-4-II
G.S.,
STATE OF WASHINGTON,
Respondent,
UNPUBLISHED OPINION
v.
G.S.,
Appellant.
SUTTON, A.C.J. — GS appeals the superior court’s 180-day order of involuntary
commitment. GS argues that (1) the superior court entered insufficient written findings of fact for
appellate review, and (2) the State failed to prove by clear, cogent, and convincing evidence that
GS had a recent proof of loss of cognitive or volitional control, and thus, continued to be gravely
disabled as a result of a mental disorder under former RCW 71.05.020(22)(b) (2018).1,2 We hold
that (1) the superior court’s written findings of fact are sufficient for appellate review, but (2) the
State did not prove by clear, cogent, and convincing evidence that GS was gravely disabled as a
1
LAWS OF 2018, ch. 201 § 3001.
2
GS argues that this appeal is not moot and should be considered on its merits. The State agrees.
We previously held that an appeal involving involuntary commitment was not moot because prior
involuntary commitment orders have potential collateral consequences. In re Det. of BM, 7 Wn.
App. 2d 70, 76-77, 432 P.3d 459 (2019).
No. 53766-4-II
result of a mental disorder under former RCW 71.05.020(22)(b). We reverse the superior court’s
order of commitment.
FACTS
In April 2019, GS was involuntarily committed by the Snohomish County Superior Court
after he stipulated to the State’s allegation that he was gravely disabled as a result of a mental
disorder. He was remanded to the custody of the Department of Social and Health Services and
transferred to Western State Hospital. On July 3, 2019, GS’s doctors filed a petition for 180-day
involuntary commitment, arguing that GS continued to be gravely disabled as a result of a mental
disorder. The court commissioner held a hearing on the petition August 5.
GS’s treating psychiatrist, Dr. Leslie Sziebert, testified. Dr. Sziebert diagnosed GS with
schizophrenia. Dr. Sziebert noted GS’s symptoms to include hallucinations, agitation, and
paranoia. Throughout Dr. Sziebert’s testimony, GS interrupted him with “objections” and accused
Dr. Sziebert of lying. Dr. Sziebert also believed that GS lacked cognitive and behavioral control,
but did not testify to any recent proof of loss of cognitive or volitional control by GS. Dr. Sziebert
opined that GS would only be able to function in the community if he were to “put his family
members in a bind to try to rescue him.” Verbatim Report of Proceedings (VRP) at 8-9.
Dr. Sziebert also testified as to GS’s history.3 Before his hospitalization at Western State
Hospital, GS was living in a camper on his mother’s property in Snohomish County, but he began
to violate house rules, and his mother confronted him. GS then “hitchhiked . . . to Gig Harbor and
was living under a bridge.” VRP at 10. GS’s mother picked him up, and he was then detained
3
The superior court admitted the evidence under ER 703 to support Dr. Sziebert’s basis for his
opinion, but it was not admitted for the truth of the matter asserted.
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No. 53766-4-II
based on his “demonstrating hallucination disorder.” VRP at 10-11. GS had six involuntary
hospitalizations in the prior three years.
Dr. Sziebert testified to GS’s history of medication noncompliance during his current
hospitalization. Dr. Sziebert believed GS was “cheeking” his medications and disposing of them,
so the hospital began crushing his medications. “Cheeking” means “a patient puts the intact pill
[inside their] cheek . . . or under their tongue,” and then later spits the medication out. VRP at 12.
Once GS began taking crushed medication, Dr. Sziebert noticed “some improvement” in his
behavior. VRP at 12.
Dr. Sziebert testified that GS was active in the treatment groups when he first began his
hospitalization in March 2019, but that he had “pretty much stopped” going to the groups since
early July 2019. VRP at 12. Dr. Sziebert testified that participation in these groups was part of
assessing whether a patient is ready for discharge. Dr. Sziebert did not believe that GS accepted
his diagnosis or his need for treatment.
Based on GS’s diagnosis, current symptoms associated with his diagnosis, history of
medication noncompliance, lack of participation in treatment, and denial of his diagnosis and need
for treatment, Dr. Sziebert did not believe that if release, GS could independently make a choice
to continue psychiatric treatment. Dr. Sziebert opined that if released, GS would stop taking his
medications resulting in another cycle of being decompensated and ultimately being detained.
GS also testified. He stated that he did not believe his continued hospitalization was
beneficial. He denied experiencing hallucinations. GS described a detailed “healthy plan” for
receiving treatment if released. VRP at 27. GS claimed that he believed he had a mental illness,
but disagreed with Dr. Sziebert’s diagnosis of schizophrenia. GS stated that his medications were
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No. 53766-4-II
helping and he had not experienced symptoms during the past month. GS also confirmed that he
was previously hospitalized after he stopped taking his medications, and that he was living under
a bridge when his mother picked him up.
The superior court orally ruled that GS was gravely disabled under former RCW
71.05.020(22)(b).
This Court does find that there is clear, cogent, and convincing evidence
that [GS] remains gravely disabled under prong [b] only at this time.
[GS] appears to be seeing to the primary parts of his [activities of daily
living] and would have an ability to properly see to some of his own needs.
The Court is concerned about the escalating cognitive and volitional control
based on the records that I’ve heard testified to as well as the doctor’s observations
as well as this Court’s observations in this courtroom, it is –
....
-- this Court’s finding that [GS] would have – he would have a difficult time
maintaining that cognitive and volitional control outside the setting of an extremely
structured setting.
[GS had] only recently been more [] compliant [with his medications], and
he [was] only . . . minimally participat[ing] in treatment.
Until some of that happens – and it appears that he is not fully cognitively
accepting of the mental health diagnosis that was based on his testimony as well as
the testimony of the doctor.
So I am finding [GS] gravely disabled. I am finding that there [is] just cause
to hold him for up to 180 days.
VRP at 36-37.
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No. 53766-4-II
The court subsequently entered written findings of fact and conclusions of law and
incorporated its oral ruling by reference. The court found that:
2. Reason/s for Commitment. [GS] suffers from a mental disorder. The diagnosis
is 298.9 Unspecified Schizophrenia Spectrum and Other Psychotic Disorder.
Is/Continues To Be Gravely Disabled and Respondent:
....
as a result of a mental disorder manifests severe deterioration in routine functioning
evidenced by repeated and escalating loss of cognitive or volitional control over
actions, is not receiving such care as is essential for health and safety.
Clerk’s Papers (CP) at 18 (boldface omitted). The court summarized both Dr. Sziebert’s and GS’s
testimony from the hearing. The court found that a less restrictive alternative was not appropriate:
[GS] has had non-compliance with medications and is now on medication watch.
He is refusing to attend treatment sessions. This would lead the doctor to conclude
he would not succeed in the community at this time.
[GS] will need to be in control of his agitation without having to take additional
medication to suppress this. He would need to care for personal hygiene, attend
groups, and admit to mental health diagnosis.
CP at 19.
The court noted that Dr. Sziebert testified that GS had a “[h]igh risk of decompensation if
released at this time” and that less restrictive alternatives were not recommended. CP at 19. Based
on these findings, the court concluded that GS was gravely disabled as a result of a mental disorder
under former RCW 71.05.020(22)(b) and ordered involuntary treatment up to 180 days.
GS appeals.
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No. 53766-4-II
ANALYSIS
I. FINDINGS OF FACT-SUFFICIENCY FOR REVIEW
GS argues that the superior court’s written findings of fact are inadequate for meaningful
appellate review, and thus, the 180-day commitment order should be reversed. We hold that the
superior court’s written findings of fact are sufficient for appellate review.
Findings of fact are required following an involuntary commitment hearing. MPR 3.4(b).
A superior court’s written findings of fact “should at least be sufficient to indicate the factual bases
for the ultimate conclusions.” In re Det. of LaBelle, 107 Wn.2d 196, 218, 728 P.2d 138 (1986).
“The purpose of the requirement of findings and conclusions is to insure the [superior] judge ‘has
dealt fully and properly with all the issues in the case before . . . decid[ing] it’” and so, on appeal,
we “‘may be fully informed as to the bases of [the] decision when it is made.’” LaBelle, 107
Wn.2d at 218-19 (internal quotation marks omitted) (quoting State v. Agee, 89 Wn.2d 416, 421,
573 P.2d 355 (1977)). “Even if inadequate, written findings may be supplemented by the
[superior] court’s oral decision or statements in the record.” LaBelle, 107 Wn.2d at 219.
Here, the superior court’s written findings incorporated its oral ruling and noted that it
found that GS was gravely disabled under former RCW 71.05.020(22)(b). But the written findings
of fact did little more than summarize the hearing testimony given by Dr. Sziebert and GS. Based
on these findings, the court concluded that GS continued to be gravely disabled under the prong
(b) definition.
GS analogizes this case to In re Det. of GD, 11 Wn. App. 2d 67, 72-73, 450 P.3d 668(2019). In Det. of GD, the superior court only made check-the-box findings without additional
findings. 11 Wn. App. 2d at 72-73. The superior court here added the testimony from the hearing
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No. 53766-4-II
to its findings, and while those findings are not particularly helpful, they were sufficiently detailed
for our review.
GS also argues that “mere recitation of testimony, without assessment of credibility . . . to
tie such testimony to the appropriate legal standard, is inadequate.” Br. of Appellant at 21-22.
However, as the State correctly points out, “no court has held that summarizing testimony alone is
grounds for reversal.” Respondent’s Br. at 18.
We hold that the findings of fact, although minimal, are sufficient for appellate review.
II. GRAVELY DISABLED
GS argues that the State failed to prove by clear, cogent, and convincing evidence that GS
had a recent proof of loss of cognitive or volitional control, and thus, was gravely disabled as a
result of a mental disorder under former RCW 71.05.020(22)(b).4 We agree and hold that the State
did not prove by clear, cogent, and convincing evidence that GS had a recent proof of loss of
cognitive or volitional control and was gravely disabled as a result of a mental disorder, and thus,
the court’s findings were not supported by substantial evidence.
A. LEGAL PRINCIPLES
A person who is currently in involuntarily committed can be recommitted involuntarily at
the end of the commitment period for up to an additional 180 days if he or she continues to be
4
GS argues that this court should disregard the superior court’s “references to the commitment
petition in considering whether the evidence supports a determination of grave disability.” Br. of
Appellant at 32-33. The superior court did not make findings based solely on references to the
State’s petition, but based its findings on the evidence and testimony presented at the hearing.
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No. 53766-4-II
gravely disabled. RCW 71.05.320(4)(d), (6).5 Former RCW 71.05.020(22) defines “gravely
disabled” as a condition in which a person, because of a mental disorder, “(b) manifests severe
deterioration in routine functioning evidenced by repeated and escalating loss of cognitive or
volitional control over his or her actions and is not receiving such care as is essential for his or her
health or safety.”
The court in LaBelle stated:
Implicit in the definition of gravely disabled . . . is a requirement that the individual
is unable, because of severe deterioration of mental functioning, to make a rational
decision with respect to his need for treatment. This requirement is necessary to
ensure that a causal nexus exists between proof of severe deterioration in routine
functioning” and proof that the person so affected is not receiving such care as is
essential for his or her health or safety.
107 Wn. 2d at 208 (quoting former RCW 71.05.020(1)(b) (1986)).
LaBelle also explained that the statute, then former RCW 71.05.020(1)(b), incorporated the
definition of “decompensation,” meaning that to continue to involuntarily commit an individual
under the prong (b) definition, the State must prove the individual’s progressive deterioration of
routine function supported by evidence of repeated or escalating loss of cognitive or volitional
control of actions. LaBelle, 107 Wn.2d at 206.
The second requirement of former RCW 71.05.022(22)(b) is satisfied if the evidence
reveals a factual basis for concluding that the individual “is not receiving or would not receive, if
released, such care as is essential for his or her health or safety.” LaBelle, 107 Wn.2d at 208(emphasis added). When considering the second requirement, the court also may consider the
5
The legislature amended this statute in 2020, but subsections (4)(d) and (6) did not change. LAWS
OF 2020, ch. 302 § 45. Accordingly, we cite to the current version of the statute.
8
No. 53766-4-II
likelihood that the person would discontinue necessary medications and decompensate. LaBelle,
107 Wn.2d at 206.
The State has the burden of establishing grave disability by clear, cogent, and convincing
evidence, meaning that the ultimate fact at issue is shown to be “highly probable.” LaBelle, 107
Wn.2d at 209. We “will not disturb the [superior] court’s findings of ‘grave disability’ if [the
findings are] supported by substantial evidence which the lower court could reasonably have found
to be clear, cogent[,] and convincing.” LaBelle, 107 Wn.2d at 209. Substantial evidence is
evidence that is “supported by ‘a sufficient quantity of evidence to persuade a fair-minded person
of [the order’s] truth or correctness.’” Raven v. Dep’t of Soc. & Health. Servs., 177 Wn.2d 804,
817, 306 P.3d 920 (2013) (alteration in original, internal quotation marks omitted) (quoting Port
of Seattle v. Pollution Control Hearings Bd., 151 Wn.2d 568, 588, 90 P.3d 659 (2004)).
B. FAILURE TO SATISFY FIRST REQUIREMENT OF FORMER RCW 71.05.020(22(b)
Dr. Sziebert testified that GS had about six involuntary hospitalizations over the previous
three years. Both Dr. Sziebert and GS testified that GS had discontinued his medications in the
community, resulting in his current involuntary commitment. Dr. Sziebert also testified that he
believed GS was “cheeking” his mediations, which led to the hospital instituting a watch and crush
order about one month before the hearing to ensure that GS took his medications. GS exhibited
some improvement during the month after the hospital began crushing his medications, but he still
showed symptoms of his mental disorder, including agitation, paranoia, and hallucinations. Dr.
Sziebert testified that GS had not attended most of the active treatment groups for about two
months. Further, Dr. Sziebert did not believe GS would receive proper care if he were released
and that he was at high risk of decompensating and being redetained.
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No. 53766-4-II
This evidence is more than sufficient to establish the second requirement of former RCW
71.05.020(22)(b)—that GS would not receive such care as is essential for his health or safety if
released. However, none of the evidence at the hearing established recent proof of significant loss
of cognitive or volitional control by GS as required under the statute and LaBelle. Neither the
State’s expert nor the court in its findings and order refer to proof that GS had a significant recent
decline or loss in cognitive or volitional control as required. In fact, there was evidence showing
the opposite—that GS’s behavior was beginning to improve in the month before the hearing.
Neither the State nor the court addressed the causal nexus required under LaBelle and former RCW
71.05.020(22)(b) to show GS had a “severe deterioration of routine functioning by repeated and
escalating loss of cognitive or volitional control.” See LaBelle, 107 Wn.2d at 208. The evidence
does not provide clear, cogent, and convincing evidence that GS had a recent and significant
decline in cognitive or volitional control.
Without evidence demonstrating that GS experienced a recent and significant decline in
his cognitive or volitional functions, we hold that the court’s findings are not supported by
substantial evidence, and they do not support the court’s conclusions of law that GS was gravely
disabled as a result of a mental disorder under former RCW 71.05.020(22)(b). Because the State
failed to meet its burden of proof by clear, cogent, and convincing evidence, we reverse the
superior court’s 180-day involuntary commitment order.
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No. 53766-4-II
CONCLUSION
We reverse the superior court’s 180-day involuntary commitment order.
A majority of the panel having determined that this opinion will not be printed in the
Washington Appellate Reports, but will be filed for public record in accordance with RCW 2.06.040,
it is so ordered.
SUTTON, A.C.J.
We concur:
MAXA, J.
CRUSER, J.
11