Victim Support Service

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What are Patient Information Orders?

There are two types of patient information orders:

• Classified Patient Information Orders (CPIO) applicable when a person in custody is transferred to a mental health service for treatment and becomes a Classified Patient
• Forensic Patient Information Orders (FPIO) applicable when the Mental Health Court finds the person of unsound mind for their offence and places them on a Forensic Order.

Both of these orders enable registered victims and other eligible persons to receive information relevant to their safety and well being as provided under Chapter 7A s318 of the Mental Health Act 2000.

For  information on eligibility criteria and the type of information that can be provided for each of these orders please see:

Classified Patient Information Order and Forensic Patient Information Order - fact sheet

*There are a range of fact sheets to assist your understanding of the Mental Health Act 2000. These fact sheets are also available in other languages.

 

 

Applications for Patient Information Orders are facilitated through the QHVSS

The QHVSS can provide information and assistance in:

• applying for a patient information order
• applying for confidentiality of the order
• preparation of submissions to the Mental Health Review Tribunal

The Patient Information Register is managed by the office of the Director of Mental Health. The information that a victim or concerned person is entitled to receive under their Patient Information Order is given to the QHVSS by the Director's office to be provided to the person with the order as per their request; in person, by phone, post, fax, email. If preferred a nominee may  be identified to receive information on the persons behalf.

Safeguards to protect patient information

Information that cannot be disclosed about the patient includes details of where the patient is residing or about their treatment.

A person registered to receive information under a CPIO or FPIO must sign an undertaking not to disclose information for public dissemination. The person is able to discuss information with individuals in their personal support network; however broad disclosure of information (for example through the media or internet) constitutes grounds for the order to be revoked. If the applicant has a nominee they to must sign the undertaking.

Contact the QHVSS for further information or assistance if you are considering or would like to apply for a Patient Information Order.