It's completely nonsensical tbh. Current practice requires a relatively low bar to initiate a 72 hour hold because it's meant to be used as an observation/cool down/control an acute situation period. If a serious problem is found, then the traditional court proceeding starts. If at any point during the hold it is determined that you are not at risk to yourself or others and are capable of living independently, the current practice is to release. This frees up a bed and also stops someone from being billed for the entire holding period. There's also been some lawsuits about this in the past because failing to do so is effectively keeping someone without due process. Basically, if the hospital/physician isn't petitioning to keep you, then you are considered well enough. This idea basically allows some retard police officer to claim that they have a better understanding of an individual's mental state than a treating physician.