[The amount of time spent in processing of 40 cases involving involuntary commitment under the legislation of 1989 in a Danish county 1990-1994].
This investigation examines forty cases dealing with compulsory admission or detention which have been presented at the Local Magistrates Court in a Danish county under the Danish Mental Health Legislation of 1989 during a five year period from 1990-1994. The amount of time spent in processing the cases by the psychiatric department, the Forensic Medical Council and the magistrate was registered. The results show a written psychiatric statement from the department is available after seven to ten days. Five weeks pass when the case is presented to the Forensic Medical Council, (four weeks with the Council and one week with the magistrate). The importance of obtaining statements from the Forensic Medical Council and the time spent in considering the cases with reference to the Justice Department's survey of the Danish Mental Health Legislation of 1989 is discussed. The investigation concludes that despite the resulting prolonged case evaluation it is recommended that cases involving detainment are brought before the Forensic Medical Council.
Andreassen
M D
MD
Psykiatrisk afdeling B, Aarhus Universitetshospital, Psykiatrisk Hospital.
D000328:Adult; D003134:Commitment of Persons with Psychiatric Disorders / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence* / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D003718:Denmark; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D005554:Forensic Medicine / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D006801:Humans; D007902:Length of Stay; D008297:Male; D013997:Time Factors