The Kentucky Verified Petition for Involuntary Hospitalization is a legal process used to obtain court authorization for involuntary hospitalization of a person who is believed to be mentally ill and in need of involuntary treatment. It is also known as an Involuntary Commitment (IOC) petition. The Kentucky Verified Petition for Involuntary Hospitalization has two main types: an Emergency Petition and a Regular Petition. The Emergency Petition is filed when a person is believed to be mentally ill and is in need of immediate hospitalization due to a serious risk of physical harm or suicide. The petition must be filed by an attending physician, a mental health professional, or a law enforcement officer, and must be verified by two additional persons who have observed the person's behavior and can attest to the facts in the petition. The Regular Petition is filed when a person is believed to be mentally ill and is in need of hospitalization, but not immediately. The petition must be filed by an attending physician, a mental health professional, or a family member, and must be verified by two additional persons who have observed the person's behavior and can attest to the facts in the petition. In either case, the petition will be reviewed by a judge who will decide if it is appropriate to authorize the involuntary hospitalization. If authorized, the person will be taken to a hospital for treatment.