Mental Health Legal Service - text version

If you are diagnosed with a mental health condition and your doctor considers you are too unwell to decide about your treatment, they must apply to the Tribunal for a treatment order.

A treatment order allows your doctor to give you medication (even if you don’t want it) and sets out whether you are treated at home or in the hospital.

Before making a treatment order, the Tribunal has a hearing which you are invited to attend. The Tribunal is independent from your doctor and only makes an order if the legal tests are met. If an order is made, the Tribunal reviews it regularly and it only stays in place until you are well enough to make your own choices about your treatment.

We are a free service where ever you live in Tasmania.

We can:

• explain your rights
• help you with the legal process
• go to the Tribunal hearing as your lawyer
• help you regarding your options

When you are in hospital for mental health assessment or treatment you have certain rights.

The hospital staff must give you a list of your rights.

Your rights cover things like:

• information about your diagnosis and treatment
• access to news
• access to general medical treatment
• allowing you to carry out your cultural and religious practices.

Come in for free legal advice. If you need representation, we can advise you and make an application for Legal Aid.