1. Know the rules that apply to a Form 1
Question & Answer
What is a mental health Form 1?A doctor can sign a Form 1 only if they've examined you within the last 7 days. If more than 7 days have passed since the doctor examined you, they must examine you again before signing the form.
A Form 1 is valid for 7 days. During those 7 days, anyone can immediately take you to a , even if you don't want to go.
If you refuse to go to the facility, the doctor or anyone who knows about the signed form can ask the police to take you. The police are allowed to use handcuffs and put you in a police car to get you there. But they must not use unnecessary force or purposely hurt you.
A signed Form 1 expires 7 days after the doctor signs it. If you were not taken to a psychiatric facility before it expired, no one can take you anywhere without your permission.
If the doctor still thinks you should be taken to the facility, they must examine you again and sign a new Form 1.
A doctor can cancel a Form 1 before you're taken to the facility. This happens only if your situation has changed and the doctor thinks you don't need to be assessed by a psychiatrist in a facility.
