Types and Process of Review
The Board conducts both periodic and requested reviews.

Periodic reviews
A periodic review is a mandatory review to be undertaken by the Board even if the patient does not request a review, and must be held by the Board within eight weeks of a patient becoming an involuntary patient provided that the patient remains involuntary: section 138 and section 142. Although a psychiatrist may change the status of a patient from detained status to a CTO, an initial review is still required within eight weeks of the patient first becoming involuntary.

If a patient continues as an involuntary patient for a longer period, either detained in hospital or on a CTO, periodic reviews will occur every six months: section 139.

Requested reviews
An involuntary patient may request a review of his or her involuntary status: section 142(1).
All requests for reviews must be in writing either in the form of a letter to the Board or by using the 'Application Form' which is attached to the pamphlet 'Information on the review process' available at all mental health services.
A request for review may also be made by an official visitor, or any other person, such as the patient's representative, advocate or carer, who the Board is satisfied has a genuine concern for the patient: section 142(2). An application may be made at any time except within 28 days after the Board has made a determination which involved a consideration of substantially the same issues: section 142(3). In these circumstances the application will be processed after 28 days has elapsed from the time of the earlier review.

To access an application form for a review click here or see the section titled Request Form. The completed application form may be mailed to or faxed to the Board. Here are our contact details.