### Question
How does the law define eligible patient?


### Answer
Under *42 U.S.C. § 3796ii*, **eligible patient** is defined as:

> an adult, mentally ill person who, as determined by a court—


(A) has a history of violence, incarceration, or medically unnecessary hospitalizations

#### Citation:
  - *42 U.S.C. § 3796ii*
  - Heading: **CHAPTER 46-JUSTICE SYSTEM IMPROVEMENT > SUBCHAPTER XII&ndash;J-MENTAL HEALTH COURTS**

