Code 5150, also known as section 5150, of the California Welfare and Institutions Code is a crucial law for individuals experiencing a mental health crisis. This code provides specific guidelines for instituting a 5150 hold, which allows for an involuntary psychiatric hold of up to 72 hours. This hold can only be initiated by designated professionals such as police officers, clinicians, or social workers who observe a person exhibiting some type of mental distress or psychosis. The purpose of the hold is to provide immediate intervention and access to mental health services while ensuring public safety. During the 72-hour period, the individual is evaluated by medical professionals who determine whether they require further treatment or not. This code has been instrumental in protecting individuals from harm, providing them with needed medical care, and saving countless lives.