I would say the problem with the psych, in the article at least, is not so much they don't deal with precise language, but that they deal with precise, and rigid, protocols. The psych didn't take the time to clarify because the protocol (probably) was, if a patient shows any risk (no matter how small, apparently) to self-harm, put them in the hospital.

Instead of being pedantic about language, the psych is being pedantic about protocol.