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Pennsylvania MH 785: Petition, Sections 304 and 305

Pennsylvania courts receive petitions for involuntary inpatient, partial hospitalization, outpatient or assisted outpatient treatment under Sections 304 and 305 of the Mental Health Procedures Act on the MH 785. A clinician meets it when a patient already in treatment needs a court order for further involuntary treatment, or when a court orders an examination. Part III records the current examination and the examiner's opinion.

Who completes it

The facility director, county administrator, treatment team or another responsible party completes Part I. Staff authorized by the director explain rights in Part II, the examining physician completes Part III, and the court completes Part IV.

Submitting and payment

How to submit it
The petition goes to the Court of Common Pleas or a mental health review officer, with the treatment plan and copies of any 302, 303 and 304 forms attached before it is delivered to the court.

Good to know

  • For inpatient, partial or outpatient orders, Part III must show severe mental disability: a clear and present danger to others or to self, shown by conduct within the past 30 days.
  • Examinations for AOT benefit must be done by a psychiatrist or licensed clinical psychologist; all other examinations on the form must be done by a physician.
  • If AOT is sought, the examiner prepares an AOT Plan (MH-790) for the court no later than the hearing date.
  • Substance use disorder treatment information is protected by 71 P.S. 1690.108 and 42 CFR 2.64; without consent, a separate court authorization is needed before disclosure.

Get the official form

Download the current version from the source each time; forms change without notice.

Petition for Involuntary Treatment (Sections 304 and 305)

Official pagePDF

How this list is checked

A form is listed only after its name and number were confirmed on the issuing agency’s or insurer’s own website, or in the form itself. Each entry links to that source. The list was last checked in October 2026. Forms and their requirements change without notice, so check the official page for the current version before you complete one.

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Frequently asked questions

Who completes Part III of the Pennsylvania MH 785?

The examining physician, based on a current examination. When the request is whether the patient would benefit from assisted outpatient treatment, a psychiatrist or licensed clinical psychologist must examine and sign. If the patient is not in treatment, Part III may be completed on court order.

How long can an order on the MH 785 last?

Part IV lists the options: orders under Section 304(b), (c) or (g) for up to 90 days, Section 305 orders for up to 180 days, Section 304(g)(2) for up to one year, and AOT orders of 90 or 180 days depending on the section.

What is the penalty for false information on the MH 785?

The form warns that anyone who knowingly provides false information when completing it may face criminal prosecution and penalties, including conviction of a misdemeanor. The notice applies to petitioners and examiners alike.