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Landmark Cases

Case Name: John RENNIE v. KLEIN

Date, Location, Cite: 1981 NJ
635 F 2d 836
US Court of Appeals, 3rd Circuit

Rennie was a paranoid who refused medications; Court. said this was limited, but pt needed independent psych; Addition of medications major change; The Court gave outline to follow:

  1. try to show rationale, get pt to agree
  2. Treatment team does same
  3. Medical Director personally examines pt. then Rx if needed
  4. Medical Director must check weekly
  5. Medical Director May get independent Psychiatrist.

(vacated by Youngberg v. Romeo)