An Emergency Detention Certificate (EDC) can be granted by any registered medical practitioner. Consent of a Mental Health Officer should be sought where possible.
Criteria for an EDC:
- The person is likely to be suffering from a mental disorder.
- There is a significant risk to the person’s health, safety and/or welfare.
- The person presents a significant risk to others.
- The person’s decision making ability is significantly impaired as a result of the mental disorder.
- It is a matter of urgency to determine what medical treatment is required.
Effects of an EDC:
- The person must be removed to hospital within 72 hours, if not already an inpatient.
- Detention lasts for up to 72 hours.
- Detention ends if a Short Term Detention Certificate is imposed.
- The doctor has a duty to inform the nearest relative/Named Person, Mental Welfare Commission and Mental Health Tribunal.
- An Approved Medical Practitioner must review the person as soon as possible within the 72 hrs.
- An Approved Medical Practitioner has the power to suspend an EDC.
- An EDC does not allow compulsory treatment. Treatment can only be provided if urgently required.
- The patient has no right of Appeal while under an EDC.