text: can a person be forced to have a spinal tap/ lumbar puncture against their will if meningitis is suspected??? this has bothered me for years. on the tv show er they had this guy who was forced against his will to have a lumbar puncture due to suspected meningitis, can this really happen? yes if you talk to any medical personal they will tell you if a doctor suspects meningitis you have to have it done and if you decline the health department will step in and get a court order to make you have it done but if a doctor does suspect it then you should have it done cause meningitis is a very deadly diase