Which professional is NOT authorized to recommend involuntary admission under the MHA?

The Mental Health Act (MHA) outlines specific professionals who have the authority to recommend involuntary admission of individuals who may be experiencing mental health crises. Among those authorized, physicians, justice of the peace, and judges are clearly defined in the legislation as having the responsibility and authority to assess individuals and make recommendations for involuntary admission based on their evaluations.

A physician is a frontline health care provider who can assess mental illness and recommend admission based on clinical evaluations. A justice of the peace plays a crucial role by providing legal oversight and can authorize applications for hospitalization based on the assessments presented. Similarly, judges have the authority to order involuntary admissions when informed of cases that necessitate immediate care and intervention in the interests of public safety or the welfare of the individual.

In contrast, social workers, while integral to mental health support services, do not possess the legal authority within the MHA framework to recommend involuntary admission. Their role typically focuses on support, advocacy, and resource connection rather than the legal and clinical assessments required for such a recommendation. Thus, social workers are not designated professionals for this specific legal function under the MHA.