Applications by doctors

Some applications to the Tribunal may be made only by a patient’s psychiatrist.  The application forms which must be used are here.

Electroconvulsive Therapy (ECT)

Application for ECT Approval to Perform Electroconvulsive Therapy s 410

The Tribunal usually hears ECT applications about 5 to 7 days after receipt.  This allows the Tribunal enough time to notify the relevant parties as required under the Act. It also provides time for the Mental Health Advocacy Service or the Mental Health Law Centre to contact the patient.

If you need approval to perform ECT within a shorter time frame, please contact the Office of the Chief Psychiatrist to discuss emergency ECT approval.  If you have received approval for emergency ECT, please inform the Tribunal immediately so we can avoid scheduling the hearing on a day when ECT will be administered to the patient.

Psychosurgery

Approval to Perform Psychosurgery s 417(1)

Review direction to make CTO

Additionally, where a psychiatrist has been directed by an order of the Tribunal under s 395(2)(b) to make a community treatment order, the psychiatrist named in the order may apply for a review of that decision by lodging an Application for Review of Direction to Make Community Treatment Order s 396

Useful materials

Chief Psychiatrist’s Standards for Clinical Care 2015

Chief Psychiatrist’s ECT Standards 2015

Chief Psychiatrist’s Guidelines required under Section 547 of the Mental Health Act 2014

The Chief Psychiatrist’s Guidelines for the use of Electroconvulsive Therapy in Western Australia 2024

 

Page reviewed 21 October 2024