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HRS §353-13.6

When can forced medical treatment happen?

This section says a court can order an inmate or detainee to get medical treatment, including medication, against their will, but only if the court finds the person is a danger to themselves or others, the treatment is medically appropriate, and less intrusive options won't work.

everyone

The statute, as written — Involuntary medical treatment criteria

(a) An inmate or detainee in the custody of the department may be ordered to receive involuntary medical treatment, including the taking or application of medication, if the court finds that: (1) The inmate or detainee poses a danger of physical harm to self or danger of physical harm to others; (2) Treatment with medication is medically appropriate; and (3) Considering less intrusive alternatives, treatment is essential to forestall the danger posed by the inmate or detainee. (b) For the purposes of this section: "Danger of physical harm to others" means likely to cause substantial physical or emotional injury to another, as evidenced by an act, attempt, or threat occurring recently or through a pattern of past behavior that has resulted in the person being placed in a more restricted setting for the safety of others in the facility. "Danger of physical harm to self" means the person recently has threatened or attempted suicide or serious bodily self injury; or the person recently has behaved in such a manner as to indicate that the person is unable, without supervision and the assistance of others, to satisfy the need for nourishment, essential medical care, or self-protection, so that it is probable that death, substantial bodily injury, or serious physical or mental debilitation or disease will result unless adequate treatment is provided.
Read the official text at capitol.hawaii.gov ↗as published Jan 6, 2026our copy taken Aug 20, 2026

LawTrove is not legal advice. The summary above is a computer-generated restatement — the authoritative text is the official version linked above.