Glossary

In Substitute decision‑making

Someone who’s mentally capable gives informed consent when they agree to medical treatment after getting information about:  

• the type of treatment  
• how the treatment could help them  
• risks and side effects of the treatment  
• any other options for treatment  

In Health and Disability, Mental health

You’re an involuntary patient if your doctor signs a “certificate of involuntary admission”. This can only happen after your doctor:

• examines you to confirm you currently have a mental disorder or you have a mental disorder that comes and goes, and
• believes that your mental disorder will cause serious harm to you or someone else unless you stay in a psychiatric facility.

Only an involuntary patient can be held in a psychiatric facility against their will.