Mental Health (Care and Treatment) Act (Singapore)

Form 1

Form 1 in the first schedule of the act empowers a designated medical practitioner at a psychiatric institution to admit a person suffering from a mental disorder into the psychiatric institution, and detain the patient for up to 72 hours.

Form 2

A patient that has been admitted under Form 1, may be detained for a further period of 1 month after the expiration of the 72-hour period under the provision of Form 2 in the first schedule of the act, if the following requirements are fulfilled:

1. The patient is examined by another designated medical practitioner at the institution, and is of the opinion that further treatment is needed
2. The designated practitioner signs Form 2

Form 3

Form 3 allows for a patient detained under form 2 to be further detained for up to 6 months if:

1. 2 Designated medical practitioners (of which at least one must be a psychiatrist) have examined the patient separately and are satisfied that the patient requires further treatment at the psychiatric institution
2. It is necessary in the interest of the health or safety of the person or for the protection of other persons that the person should be detained

Form 4

Form 4 of the Act allows for visitors to apply to a Magistrate for Form 5. The visitors are appointed by the Minister of Health. At least 12 visitors are appointed at any time, and at least 6 have to be medical practitioners. 2 or more visitors have to visit the designated psychiatric institution at least once every 3 months.

Form 5

Form 5 in the First Schedule of the act is an order made by a Magistrate, which allows for the patient to be detained for a further 12 months.