Who is responsible for completing an order for assessment under Form 1 of the MHA?

The responsibility for completing an order for assessment under Form 1 of the Mental Health Act (MHA) falls to a physician. This is because only a physician has the requisite medical training and qualifications to evaluate an individual's mental health condition adequately and determine whether an assessment in a psychiatric facility is necessary. The MHA establishes clear protocols for the process of involuntary assessments to ensure that individuals are treated fairly and appropriately within the mental health care system.

While other professionals, such as a Justice of the Peace, Nurse Practitioners, or District Court Judges, play important roles in the legal and clinical landscape surrounding mental health care, they do not possess the authority or specific expertise required to complete a Form 1 order. This distinction is crucial for maintaining the integrity of the mental health assessment process and protecting the rights of individuals being assessed.