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WELFARE AND INSTITUTIONS CODE

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§ 5008. Definitions
Unless the context otherwise requires, the following definitions shall govern the construction of this part:

(m) “Emergency” means a situation in which action to impose treatment over the person’s objection is immediately necessary for the preservation of life or the prevention of serious bodily harm to the patient or others, and it is impracticable to first gain consent. It is not necessary for harm to take place or become unavoidable prior to treatment.