A Short Term Detention Certificate (STDC) can only be granted by a senior psychiatrist i.e. an Approved Medical Practitioner. The consent of a Mental Health Officer is required at all times. The application for an STDC can be made from hospital or the community.
Criteria for a STDC:
- 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.
- Detention is necessary to determine what medical treatment is required or to give medical treatment.
Effects of a STDC:
- The person must be removed to hospital within 3 days, if not already an inpatient.
- An STDC starts immediately and revokes a preceding Emergency Detention Certificate.
- An STDC allows detention in hospital for up to 28 days.
- An STDC allows for the compulsory treatment of a Mental Disorder
- The Responsible Medical Officer has a duty to inform the Named Person/nearest relative, Mental Health Tribunal and Mental Welfare Commission.
- The Responsible Medical Officer (RMO) has an ongoing duty to review the need for detention.
- The Mental Welfare Commission has the power to revoke an STDC.
- The patient or Named Person can make an Appeal to the Mental Health Tribunal to have the STDC revoked.