Coronial recommendation: Use of Mental Health (Compulsory Assessment and Treatment) Act 1992 (The Mental Health Act)

Following a recent case, the Ministry of Health is clarifying the use of the Mental Health Act (1992) for frontline doctors and nurse practitioners. This concerns situations where someone may require compulsory assessment and treatment.

Key points

• Contact a Duly Authorised Officer (DAO) first: DAOs are mental health specialists who can guide you through the process and are available via your local Mental Health Crisis Team.
• DAOs can complete paperwork and provide support: this includes completing the application (Form 8A) and ensuring a qualified practitioner conducts the assessment.
• You can still complete the initial assessment form (Form 8B): this form requires a belief that the person may have a mental disorder.
• Training is available: the Ministry of Health recommends online training, such as that delivered by Te Pou, to increase your comfort level with the Act.
• Remote assessments are now possible: this means people may not need to be removed from their community for assessment.

If you have any questions about using the Mental Health Act, contact a DAO.

Read the full letter from Dr Joe Bourne, Chief Medical Officer.