Table 1. Summary of the Mental Health (Care and Treatment) Act 2008 with cross-reference the UK Mental Health Act 1983/2007.
Form | Maximum duration of involuntary hospitalisation | Order requirements | Equivalent section of the UK Act |
---|---|---|---|
1 | 72 hours | A designated medical practitioner working at the Institute of Mental Health (IMH) applies the Act based on the risk posed by patients to themselves or others | Section 4 |
2 | 1 month | A designated medical practitioner working at the IMH applies the Act if the risk posed by patients to themselves or others is still present | Section 2 |
3 | 6 months | Two independent designated medical practitioners, one of whom is a psychiatrist working at the IMH, apply the Act if the risk posed by patients to themselves or others is still present | Section 3 |