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The person can only be treated in hospital as an involuntary patient for 48 hours after the first doctor examines him/her. During that time, a second doctor must examine the person and decide if the person still needs involuntary treatment and then sign a second certificate that will be valid for one month.

At the end of the 72 hours permitted by a Form 1, the person must either be released, be admitted as a voluntary patient, or continue to be held as an involuntary patient with a certificate of involuntary admission (Form 3).

Once a person is taken to a hospital for a psychiatric examination, the doctor who examines them must decide within three days (72 hours) whether to release them, or keep them in the hospital for a longer period of time. Until the doctor makes a decision, they are not free to leave the hospital.

Form 3 - Certificate of Involuntary Admission.

Once the assessment is completed, a physician will either allow the person to voluntarily leave the hospital, initiate a voluntary admission at the person's request, or place the person on a Form 3 which will extend the involuntary stay for up to an additional 14 days.

The Mental Health Act sets out several reasons that a person may be held as an involuntary patient. The two most common reasons are: The person is a danger to themselves, another person, or may unintentionally injure themselves, or. The person's condition is deteriorating and they require hospitalization.

A Form 4 (Certificate of Renewal) under the Ontario Mental Health Act is a form issued when a patient continues to meet criteria for an involuntary admission after a Form 3 expires.

The person may remain in hospital for up to 72 hours while they receive an emergency assessment. If the person is not found to be a risk to themself or others, they can leave the hospital if they wish, even if it is against medical advice.