Identifying if a person is absent without approval

The next few questions set out the information in section 3 (Application of the absent patient transport provisions) of the Chief Psychiatrist policy for Managing involuntary patient absences, which guide you through the relevant circumstances where someone becomes 'absent without approval' under the Mental Health Act 2016.

Question Id
(Enter as a capital Q
and a number
no spaces)
Question or StatementResponse Go to Question or Outcome
(based on response selected)
Q1 Q1

Is the person currently (or about to be) subject to the classified patient (voluntary) or classified patient (involuntary) status?

Yes Q2
   No Q6
Q2 Q-CLP-1

Did they abscond whilst detained in the inpatient unit?

Yes Outcome1a
   No Q3
Q3 Q-CLP-2

Did they abscond whilst being transported?

For example, were they going:

  • to the inpatient unit of an authorised mental health service for assessment or treatment?
  • to a court or another health facility (from an inpatient unit)?

Yes

Outcome2a

   No

Q4

Q4 Q-CLP-3

Did they abscond whilst accessing escorted on-ground limited community treatment?

Yes Outcome1a
   No Q5
Q5 Q-CLP-4

Did they abscond or fail to return whilst accessing a temporary absence approved by the Chief Psychiatrist?

Yes Outcome3a
   No Outcome0e
Q6 Q2

Are they subject to any of the following orders or authorities?

  • forensic order
  • treatment support order
  • treatment authority
Forensic order Q7
   Treatment support order Q17
   Treatment authority Q26
   None of these Q36
Q7 Q-FO-1

What's the current category of the absent person's forensic order?

Inpatient Q8
   Community Q14
Q8 Q-FO-2

Was it recently changed to 'inpatient' (from the 'community' category) whilst they weren't in an authorised mental health service?

For example, because the person now needs to be detained in an authorised mental health service for treatment and care.

Yes Outcome4a
   No Q9
Q9 Q-FO-3

Did they abscond whilst detained in the inpatient unit?

Yes Outcome1b
   No Q10
Q10 Q-FO-4

Did they abscond whilst being transported?

Yes Outcome2b
   No Q11
Q11 Q-FO-5

Did they abscond or fail to return whilst accessing limited community treatment?

Yes Q12
   No Q13
Q12 Q-FO-6

Was it supervised or unsupervised limited community treatment?

Supervised Outcome3b
   Unsupervised Outcome3e
Q13 Q-FO-7

Did they abscond or fail to return whilst accessing a temporary absence approved by the Chief Psychiatrist?

Yes Outcome3h
   No Outcome0f
Q14 Q-FO-8

Did they fail to attend an examination as directed by either the:

  • Chief Psychiatrist, for a psychiatrist report for serious offences?
  • Mental Health Review Tribunal, for a review of their forensic order or fitness for trial?
Yes Outcome5a
   No Q15
Q15 Q-FO-9

Did they fail to attend an authorised mental health service or public sector health service facility as required for treatment?

For example, they've failed to attend after breaching a condition of their forensic order–such as:

  • complying with follow up appointments and prescribed treatment
  • residing at a place approved in advance in writing by the treating psychiatrist
  • not initiating contact with a victim or victim's relatives.
Yes Outcome5e
   No Q16
Q16 Q-FO-10

Is their forensic order going to be amended to 'inpatient' category, whilst they're not currently in an authorised mental health service?

For example, because the person now needs to be detained in an authorised mental health service for treatment and care.

Yes Outcome4a
   No Outcome0f
Q17 Q-TSO-1

What's the current category of the absent person's treatment support order?

Inpatient Q18
   Community Q23
Q18 Q-TSO-2

Was it recently changed to 'inpatient' (from the 'community' category) whilst they weren't in an authorised mental health service?

For example, because the person now needs to be detained in an authorised mental health service for treatment and care.

Yes Outcome4b
   No Q19
Q19 Q-TSO-3

Did they abscond whilst detained in the inpatient unit?

Yes Outcome1c
   No Q20
Q20 Q-TSO-4

Did they abscond whilst being transported?

Yes Outcome2c
   No Q21
Q21 Q-TSO-5

Did they abscond or fail to return whilst accessing limited community treatment?

Yes Q22
   No Outcome0g
Q22 Q-TSO-6

Was it supervised or unsupervised limited community treatment?

Supervised Outcome3c
   Unsupervised Outcome3f
Q23 Q-TSO-7

Did they fail to attend an examination as directed by either the:

  • Chief Psychiatrist, for a psychiatrist report for serious offences?
  • Mental Health Review Tribunal, for a review of their treatment support order or fitness for trial?
Yes Outcome5b
   No Q24
Q24 Q-TSO-8

Did they fail to attend an authorised mental health service or public sector health service facility as required for treatment?

For example, they've failed to attend after breaching a condition of their treatment support order–such as:

  • complying with follow up appointments and prescribed treatment
  • residing at a place approved in advance in writing by the treating psychiatrist
  • not initiating contact with a victim or victim's relatives.
Yes Outcome5f
   No Q25
Q25 Q-TSO-9

Is their treatment support order going to be amended to 'inpatient' category, whilst they're not currently in an authorised mental health service?

For example, because the person now needs to be detained in an authorised mental health service for treatment and care.

Yes Outcome4b
   No Outcome0g
Q26 Q-TA-1

What's the current category of the absent person's treatment authority?

Inpatient Q27
   Community Q32
Q27 Q-TA-2

Was it recently changed to 'inpatient' (from the 'community' category) whilst they weren't in an authorised mental health service?

For example, because the person now needs to be detained in an authorised mental health service for treatment and care.

Yes Outcome4c
   No Q28
Q28 Q-TA-3

Did they abscond whilst detained in the inpatient unit?

Yes Outcome1d
   No Q29
Q29 Q-TA-4

Did they abscond whilst being transported?

Yes Outcome2d
   No Q30
Q30 Q-TA-5

Did they abscond or fail to return whilst accessing limited community treatment?

Yes Q31
   No Outcome0h
Q31 Q-TA-6

Was it supervised or unsupervised limited community treatment?

Supervised Outcome3d
   Unsupervised Outcome3g
Q32 Q-TA-7

Did they fail to attend an examination as directed by either the:

  • Chief Psychiatrist, for a psychiatrist report for serious offences?
  • Mental Health Review Tribunal, for a review of their treatment authority or fitness for trial?
Yes Outcome5c
   No Q33
Q33 Q-TA-8

Did they fail to attend an authorised mental health service for a review by an authorised psychiatrist (required within 3 days if an authorised doctor made their treatment authority)?

Yes Outcome5c
   No Q34
Q34 Q-TA-9

Did they fail to attend an authorised mental health service or public sector health service facility as required for treatment?

For example, they've failed to attend after breaching a condition of their treatment authority–such as complying with all follow up appointments and prescribed treatment.

Yes Outcome5g
   No Q35
Q35 Q-TA-10

Is their treatment authority going to be amended to 'inpatient' category, whilst they're not currently in an authorised mental health service?

For example, because the person now needs to be detained in an authorised mental health service for treatment and care.

Yes Outcome4c
   No Outcome0h
Q36 Q3

Are they subject to any of the following orders or authorities?

  • examination authority
  • recommendation for assessment
  • interstate mental health order
  • judicial order–this includes:
    • examination order
    • court examination order
Examination authority Q37
   Recommendation for assessment Q39
   Interstate mental health order Q47
   Judicial order Q41
   None of these Q52
Q37 Q-EA-1

Did they abscond whilst detained for an examination?

Yes Outcome1g
   No Q38
Q38 Q-EA-2

Did they abscond whilst being transported for an examination?

Yes Outcome2f
   No Outcome0b
Q39 Q-RFA-1

Did they abscond whilst detained for an assessment?

Yes Outcome1h
   No Q40
Q40 Q-RFA-2

Did they abscond whilst being transported for an assessment?

Yes Outcome2g
   No Outcome0c
Q41 Q-JO-1

Did they abscond whilst detained?

Yes Q42
   No Q43
Q42 Q-JO-2

Is the judicial order a court examination order or examination order?

Court examination order Outcome1e
   Examination order Outcome1f
  Neither of these Outcome1e
Q43 Q-JO-3

Did they abscond whilst being transported?

Yes Outcome2e
   No Q44
Q44 Q-JO-4

Did they abscond whilst accessing escorted on-ground limited community treatment?

Yes Outcome1e
   No Q45
Q45 Q-JO-5

Did they abscond or fail to return whilst accessing a temporary absence approved by the Chief Psychiatrist?

Yes Outcome3i
   No Q46
Q46 Q-JO-6

Did they fail to attend an authorised mental health service or public sector health service facility as ordered by a court?

Yes Outcome5d
   No Outcome0d
Q47 Q-INT-1

Which of the following scenarios apply to their detention–

  • We were arranging their return to the interstate mental health service.
  • We were arranging an assessment after receiving them from an interstate mental health service.
Arranging their return Q48
   Arranging an assessment Q50
   None of these Outcome0i
Q48 Q-INT-2

Did they abscond whilst detained in an authorised mental health service?

Yes Outcome1i
   No Q49
Q49 Q-INT-3

Did they abscond whilst being transported to (or from) an authorised mental health service?

Yes Outcome2h
   No Outcome0i
Q50 Q-INT-4

Did they abscond whilst detained in an authorised mental health service?

Yes Outcome1j
   No Q51
Q51 Q-INT-5

Did they abscond being transported to (or from) an authorised mental health service?

Yes Outcome2i
   No Outcome0i
Q52 Q-NA-1

Do either of the following scenarios apply to them–

  • They require an assessment after being voluntarily examined.
  • They require an examination as directed by either the:
    • Chief Psychiatrist, for a psychiatrist report for serious offences
    • Mental Health Review Tribunal, for a review of their fitness for trial.
Assessment required Q53
   Examination required Q55
   None of these Outcome0a
Q53 Q-NA-2

Did they abscond whilst detained for an assessment?

Yes Outcome1k
   No Q54
Q54 Q-NA-3

Did they abscond whilst being transported for an assessment?

Yes Outcome2i
   No Outcome0a
Q55 Q-NA-4

Did they fail to attend for an examination?

Yes Outcome5h
   No Outcome0a

Outcome0a - doesn't appear to meet s 363 criteria (general)

Outcome0a

They don't seem to be 'absent without approval'

The person's absence doesn't appear to meet the scenarios listed in the Mental Health Act 2016, for when someone is absent without approval.


Need help?

You can contact your Authorised Mental Health Service Administrator Delegate for more information, see QHEPS (opens in new window) for contact information.


Outcome0b - doesn't appear to meet s 363 criteria (EAs)

Outcome0b

They don't seem to be 'absent without approval'

The person's absence doesn't appear to meet the scenarios listed in the Mental Health Act 2016, for when someone is absent without approval.


Need to transport someone under an examination authority?

An examination authority already gives you various powers for detaining and transporting them which don't require an Authority to transport absent person form.

Also, if you require police assistance you can send Queensland Police Service a completed Request for police assistance form with a copy of the examination authority.


Need help?


Outcome0c - doesn't appear to meet s 363 criteria (RfA's)

Outcome0c

They don't seem to be 'absent without approval'

The person's absence doesn't appear to meet the scenarios listed in the Mental Health Act 2016, for when someone is absent without approval.


Need to transport someone under a recommendation for assessment?

A recommendation for assessment already gives you various powers for detaining and transporting them which don't require an Authority to transport absent person form.

Also, if you require police assistance you can send Queensland Police Service a completed Request for police assistance form with a copy of the recommendation for assessment.


Need help?


Outcome0d - doesn't appear to meet s 363 criteria (judicial orders)

Outcome0d

They don't seem to be 'absent without approval'

The person's absence doesn't appear to meet the scenarios listed in the Mental Health Act 2016, for when someone is absent without approval.


Need to transport someone under a judicial order?

A judicial order already gives you various powers for detaining and transporting them which don't require an Authority to transport absent person form.

Also, if you require police assistance you can send Queensland Police Service a completed Request for police assistance form with a copy of the judicial order.


Need help?


Outcome0e - doesn't appear to meet s 363 criteria (classified patients)

Outcome0e

They don't seem to be 'absent without approval'

The person's absence doesn't appear to meet the scenarios listed in the Mental Health Act 2016, for when someone is absent without approval.


Need to transport a classified patient or person in custody?

The Mental Health Act 2016 gives you various powers for detaining and transporting them which don't require an Authority to transport absent person form.

Also, if you require police assistance you can send Queensland Police Service a completed Request for police assistance form with a copy of the relevant form–for example, a Transfer recommendation (classified patient) form.


Need help?


Outcome0f - doesn't appear to meet s 363 criteria (forensic orders)

Outcome0f

They don't seem to be 'absent without approval'

The person's absence doesn't appear to meet the scenarios listed in the Mental Health Act 2016, for when someone is absent without approval.


Need to transport someone under a forensic order?

The Mental Health Act 2016 gives you various powers for detaining and transporting them which don't require an Authority to transport absent person form.

Also, if you require police assistance you can send Queensland Police Service a completed Request for police assistance form with a copy of the relevant form (if any)–for example, a Patient transport form.


Need help?


Outcome0g - doesn't appear to meet s 363 criteria (treatment support orders)

Outcome0g

They don't seem to be 'absent without approval'

The person's absence doesn't appear to meet the scenarios listed in the Mental Health Act 2016, for when someone is absent without approval.


Need to transport someone under a treatment support order?

The Mental Health Act 2016 gives you various powers for detaining and transporting them which don't require an Authority to transport absent person form.

Also, if you require police assistance you can send Queensland Police Service a completed Request for police assistance form with a copy of the relevant form (if any)–for example, a Patient transport form.


Need help?


Outcome0h - doesn't appear to meet s 363 criteria (treatment authorities)

Outcome0h

They don't seem to be 'absent without approval'

The person's absence doesn't appear to meet the scenarios listed in the Mental Health Act 2016, for when someone is absent without approval.


Need to transport someone under a treatment authority?

The Mental Health Act 2016 gives you various powers for detaining and transporting them which don't require an Authority to transport absent person form.

Also, if you require police assistance you can send Queensland Police Service a completed Request for police assistance form with a copy of the relevant form (if any)–for example, a Patient transport form.


Need help?


Outcome0i - doesn't appear to meet s 363 criteria (interstate mental health)

Outcome0i

They don't seem to be 'absent without approval'

The person's absence doesn't appear to meet the scenarios listed in the Mental Health Act 2016, for when someone is absent without approval.


Need to transport someone to (or from) an interstate mental health service?

The Mental Health Act 2016 gives you various powers for detaining and transporting them which don't require an Authority to transport absent person form.

Also, if you require police assistance you can send Queensland Police Service a completed Request for police assistance form with a copy of the relevant document (if any)–for example:

  • the Mental Health Review Tribunal's Application for approval to transfer into or out of Queensland form
  • an interstate apprehension authority (under interstate mental health legislation).

Need help?


Outcome1a - classified patients

Outcome1a

They're absent without approval

When you're completing an Authority to transport absent person form on CIMHA, make sure it notes the following information in section 3 (some of it may automatically appear on the form)–

  • Relevant order/authority: classified patient
  • Category (if applicable): inpatient
  • Reason for absence: absconded from detention–inpatient mental health unit

You should call Triple Zero (000)

Ask for police and advise them that the absent person is subject to the classified patient status.

Ensure that they understand a classified patient is a person in custody (in prison or a watch-house), admitted to the inpatient unit because they are acutely unwell and require an assessment or treatment for mental illness.


Next steps

Notify the treating (or on-call) psychiatrist that the person is absent without approval and that you have called Triple Zero (000).

Then start preparing an authority to transport absent person form for emergency services.


Outcome1b - forensic order

Outcome1b

They're absent without approval

When you're completing an Authority to transport absent person form on CIMHA, make sure it notes the following information in section 3 (some of it may automatically appear on the form)–

  • Relevant order/authority: forensic order
  • Category (if applicable): inpatient
  • Reason for absence: absconded from detention–inpatient mental health unit

Next steps

Immediately notify the treating (or on-call) psychiatrist that the person is absent without approval.

You'll then need to undertake an initial assessment of urgency.


Outcome1c - treatment support order

Outcome1c

They're absent without approval

When you're completing an Authority to transport absent person form on CIMHA, make sure it notes the following information in section 3 (some of it may automatically appear on the form)–

  • Relevant order/authority: treatment support order
  • Category (if applicable): inpatient
  • Reason for absence: absconded from detention–inpatient mental health unit

Next steps

Immediately notify the treating (or on-call) psychiatrist that the person is absent without approval.

You'll then need to undertake an initial assessment of urgency.


Outcome1d - treatment authority

Outcome1d

They're absent without approval

When you're completing an Authority to transport absent person form on CIMHA, make sure it notes the following information in section 3 (some of it may automatically appear on the form)–

  • Relevant order/authority: treatment authority
  • Category (if applicable): inpatient
  • Reason for absence: absconded from detention–inpatient mental health unit

Next steps

Immediately notify the treating (or on-call) psychiatrist that the person is absent without approval.

You'll then need to undertake an initial assessment of urgency.


Outcome1e - judicial orders (except examination orders)

Outcome1e

They're absent without approval

When you're completing an Authority to transport absent person form on CIMHA, make sure it notes the following information in section 3 (some of it may automatically appear on the form)–

  • Relevant order/authority: judicial order (including examination order)
  • Category (if applicable): (leave blank)
  • Reason for absence: absconded from detention–inpatient mental health unit

Next steps

Immediately notify the treating (or on-call) psychiatrist that the person is absent without approval.

You'll then need to undertake an initial assessment of urgency.


Outcome1f - examination orders

Outcome1f

They're absent without approval

When you're completing an Authority to transport absent person form on CIMHA, make sure it notes the following information in section 3 (some of it may automatically appear on the form)–

  • Relevant order/authority: judicial order (including examination order)
  • Category (if applicable): (leave blank)
  • Reason for absence: absconded from detention (and select the relevant place where they absconded)

Next steps

Immediately notify the treating (or on-call) psychiatrist that the person is absent without approval.

You'll then need to undertake an initial assessment of urgency.


Outcome1g - examination authorities

Outcome1g

They could be considered absent without approval

The person's absence meets a scenario listed in the Mental Health Act 2016, for when someone is absent without approval. However, you don't necessarily need to complete an Authority to transport absent person form (ATAP) because you already have powers to detain and transport the person (as they were detained for the purposes of making a recommendation for assessment).

Also, if you require police assistance you can send Queensland Police Service a completed Request for police assistance form and note that the person was detained for the purposes of making a recommendation for assessment.

For more information, read section 1.5 (Detention for the purpose of making a recommendation for assessment) of the Chief Psychiatrist policy for Examination and assessment (PDF 462 kB) (opens in new window).


If you're still continuing with an ATAP on CIMHA, make sure it notes the following information in section 3 of the form–

  • Relevant order/authority: detained for purposes of making recommendation
  • Category (if applicable): (leave blank)
  • Reason for absence: absconded from detention (and select the relevant place where they absconded)

Make sure you record the date that they absconded whilst detained, because an ATAP form is only in force for the 3 calendar days immediately after this date.


Next steps

Immediately notify the treating (or on-call) psychiatrist that the person is absent without approval.

You'll then need to undertake an initial assessment of urgency.


Outcome1h - recommendation for assessments

Outcome1h

They could be considered absent without approval

The person's absence meets a scenario listed in the Mental Health Act 2016, for when someone is absent without approval. However, a recommendation for assessment already gives you various powers for detaining and transporting them which don't require an Authority to transport absent person form (ATAP).

Also, if you require police assistance you can send Queensland Police Service a completed Request for police assistance form with a copy of the recommendation for assessment.

For more information, read section 2 (Assessment under a recommendation for assessment) of the Chief Psychiatrist policy for Examination and assessment (PDF 462 kB) (opens in new window).


If you're still continuing with an ATAP on CIMHA, make sure it notes the following information in section 3 of the form–

  • Relevant order/authority: detained under a recommendation for assessment
  • Category (if applicable): (leave blank)
  • Reason for absence: absconded from detention (and select the relevant place where they absconded)

Make sure you record the date that they absconded whilst detained, because an ATAP form is only in force for the 3 calendar days immediately after this date.


Next steps

Immediately notify the treating (or on-call) psychiatrist that the person is absent without approval.

You'll then need to undertake an initial assessment of urgency.


Outcome1i - interstate (returns)

Outcome1i

They could be considered absent without approval

The person's absence meets a scenario listed in the Mental Health Act 2016, for when someone is absent without approval. However, you might not need to complete an Authority to transport absent person form (ATAP) if the person is subject to an interstate apprehension authority.

For more information, read section 5.4 (Returning absent interstate mental health patients in Queensland) of the Chief Psychiatrist policy for Transfers and transport (PDF 7835 kB) (opens in new window).


If you're still continuing with an ATAP on CIMHA, make sure it notes the following information in section 3 of the form–

  • Relevant order/authority: (leave blank)
  • Category (if applicable): (leave blank)
  • Reason for absence: absconded from detention (and select the relevant place where they absconded)

Next steps

Immediately notify the treating (or on-call) psychiatrist that the person is absent without approval.

You'll then need to undertake an initial assessment of urgency.


Outcome1j - interstate (receiving/assessments)

Outcome1j

They're absent without approval

When you're completing an Authority to transport absent person form on CIMHA, make sure it notes the following information in section 3 of the form–

  • Relevant order/authority: detained for purposes of making recommendation
  • Category (if applicable): (leave blank)
  • Reason for absence: absconded from detention (and select the relevant place where they absconded)

Next steps

Immediately notify the treating (or on-call) psychiatrist that the person is absent without approval.

You'll then need to undertake an initial assessment of urgency.


Outcome1k - non-MHA

Outcome1k

They're absent without approval

When you're completing an Authority to transport absent person form (ATAP) on CIMHA, make sure it notes the following information in section 3 of the form–

  • Relevant order/authority: detained for purposes of making recommendation
  • Category (if applicable): (leave blank)
  • Reason for absence: absconded from detention (and select the relevant place where they absconded)

Make sure you record the date that they absconded whilst detained, because an ATAP form is only in force for the 3 calendar days immediately after this date.


Next steps

Immediately notify the treating (or on-call) psychiatrist that the person is absent without approval.

You'll then need to undertake an initial assessment of urgency.


Outcome2a - classified patient

Outcome2a

They're absent without approval

When you're completing an Authority to transport absent person form on CIMHA, make sure it notes the following information in section 3 (some of it may automatically appear on the form)–

  • Relevant order/authority: classified patient
  • Category (if applicable): inpatient
  • Reason for absence: absconded from detention–while being transported

You should call Triple Zero (000)

Ask for police and advise them that the absent person is subject to the classified patient status.

Ensure that they understand a classified patient is a person in custody (in prison or a watch-house), admitted to the inpatient unit because they are acutely unwell and require an assessment or treatment for mental illness.


Next steps

Notify the treating (or on-call) psychiatrist that the person is absent without approval and that you have called Triple Zero (000).

Then start preparing an authority to transport absent person form for emergency services.


Outcome2b - forensic order

Outcome2b

They're absent without approval

When you're completing an Authority to transport absent person form on CIMHA, make sure it notes the following information in section 3 (some of it may automatically appear on the form)–

  • Relevant order/authority: forensic order
  • Category (if applicable): inpatient
  • Reason for absence: absconded from detention–while being transported

Next steps

Immediately notify the treating (or on-call) psychiatrist that the person is absent without approval.

You'll then need to undertake an initial assessment of urgency.


Outcome2c - treatment support order

Outcome2c

They're absent without approval

When you're completing an Authority to transport absent person form on CIMHA, make sure it notes the following information in section 3 (some of it may automatically appear on the form)–

  • Relevant order/authority: treatment support order
  • Category (if applicable): inpatient
  • Reason for absence: absconded from detention–while being transported

Next steps

Immediately notify the treating (or on-call) psychiatrist that the person is absent without approval.

You'll then need to undertake an initial assessment of urgency.


Outcome2d - treatment authority

Outcome2d

They're absent without approval

When you're completing an Authority to transport absent person form on CIMHA, make sure it notes the following information in section 3 (some of it may automatically appear on the form)–

  • Relevant order/authority: treatment authority
  • Category (if applicable): inpatient
  • Reason for absence: absconded from detention–while being transported

Next steps

Immediately notify the treating (or on-call) psychiatrist that the person is absent without approval.

You'll then need to undertake an initial assessment of urgency.


Outcome2e - judicial order

Outcome2e

They're absent without approval

When you're completing an Authority to transport absent person form on CIMHA, make sure it notes the following information in section 3 (some of it may automatically appear on the form)–

  • Relevant order/authority: judicial order (including examination order)
  • Category (if applicable): (leave blank)
  • Reason for absence: absconded from detention–while being transported

Next steps

Immediately notify the treating (or on-call) psychiatrist that the person is absent without approval.

You'll then need to undertake an initial assessment of urgency.


Outcome2f - examination authority

Outcome2f

They're absent without approval

When you're completing an Authority to transport absent person form (ATAP) on CIMHA, make sure it notes the following information in section 3 of the form–

  • Relevant order/authority: detained for purposes of making recommendation
  • Category (if applicable): (leave blank)
  • Reason for absence: absconded from detention–while being transported

Make sure you record the date that they absconded whilst detained, because an ATAP form is only in force for the 3 calendar days immediately after this date.


Next steps

Immediately notify the treating (or on-call) psychiatrist that the person is absent without approval.

You'll then need to undertake an initial assessment of urgency.


Outcome2g - recommendation for assessment

Outcome2g

They're absent without approval

When you're completing an Authority to transport absent person form (ATAP) on CIMHA, make sure it notes the following information in section 3 of the form–

  • Relevant order/authority: detained under a recommendation for assessment
  • Category (if applicable): (leave blank)
  • Reason for absence: absconded from detention–while being transported

Make sure you record the date that they absconded whilst detained, because an ATAP form is only in force for the 3 calendar days immediately after this date.


Next steps

Immediately notify the treating (or on-call) psychiatrist that the person is absent without approval.

You'll then need to undertake an initial assessment of urgency.


Outcome2h - interstate mental health order (and being returned to interstate)

Outcome2h

They could be considered absent without approval

The person's absence meets a scenario listed in the Mental Health Act 2016, for when someone is absent without approval. However, you might not need to complete an Authority to transport absent person form (ATAP) if the person is subject to an interstate apprehension authority.

For more information, read section 5.4 (Returning absent interstate mental health patients in Queensland) of the Chief Psychiatrist policy for Transfers and transport (PDF 7835 kB) (opens in new window).


If you're still continuing with an ATAP on CIMHA, make sure it notes the following information in section 3 of the form–

  • Relevant order/authority: (leave blank)
  • Category (if applicable): (leave blank)
  • Reason for absence: absconded from detention–while being transported

Next steps

Immediately notify the treating (or on-call) psychiatrist that the person is absent without approval.

You'll then need to undertake an initial assessment of urgency.


Outcome2i - not under the MHA2016 (scenarios for examination), or interstate mental health order (received/assessed here)

Outcome2i

They're absent without approval

When you're completing an Authority to transport absent person form on CIMHA, make sure it notes the following information in section 3 of the form–

  • Relevant order/authority: detained for purposes of making recommendation
  • Category (if applicable): (leave blank)
  • Reason for absence: absconded from detention–while being transported

Next steps

Immediately notify the treating (or on-call) psychiatrist that the person is absent without approval.

You'll then need to undertake an initial assessment of urgency.


Outcome3a - classified patient (temp absences)

Outcome3a

They're absent without approval

When you're completing an Authority to transport absent person form on CIMHA, make sure it notes the following information in section 3 (some of it may automatically appear on the form)–

  • Relevant order/authority: classified patient
  • Category (if applicable): inpatient
  • Reason for absence: absconded from detention (and select the relevant place where they absconded whilst accessing their temporary absence)

You should call Triple Zero (000)

Ask for police and advise them that the absent person is subject to the classified patient status.

Ensure that they understand a classified patient is a person in custody (in prison or a watch-house), admitted to the inpatient unit because they are acutely unwell and require an assessment or treatment for mental illness.


Next steps

Notify the treating (or on-call) psychiatrist that the person is absent without approval and that you have called Triple Zero (000).

Then start preparing an authority to transport absent person form for emergency services.


Outcome3b - forensic order (supervised LCT)

Outcome3b

They're absent without approval

When you're completing an Authority to transport absent person form on CIMHA, make sure it notes the following information in section 3 (some of it may automatically appear on the form)–

  • Relevant order/authority: forensic order
  • Category (if applicable): inpatient
  • Reason for absence: absconded from detention (and select the relevant place where they absconded whilst supervised)

Next steps

Immediately notify the treating (or on-call) psychiatrist that the person is absent without approval.

You'll then need to undertake an initial assessment of urgency.


Outcome3c - treatment support order (supervised LCT)

Outcome3c

They're absent without approval

When you're completing an Authority to transport absent person form on CIMHA, make sure it notes the following information in section 3 (some of it may automatically appear on the form)–

  • Relevant order/authority: treatment support order
  • Category (if applicable): inpatient
  • Reason for absence: absconded from detention (and select the relevant place where they absconded whilst supervised)

Next steps

Immediately notify the treating (or on-call) psychiatrist that the person is absent without approval.

You'll then need to undertake an initial assessment of urgency.


Outcome3d - treatment authority (supervised LCT)

Outcome3d

They're absent without approval

When you're completing an Authority to transport absent person form on CIMHA, make sure it notes the following information in section 3 (some of it may automatically appear on the form)–

  • Relevant order/authority: treatment authority
  • Category (if applicable): inpatient
  • Reason for absence: absconded from detention (and select the relevant place where they absconded whilst supervised)

Next steps

Immediately notify the treating (or on-call) psychiatrist that the person is absent without approval.

You'll then need to undertake an initial assessment of urgency.


Outcome3e - forensic order (unsupervised LCT)

Outcome3e

They're absent without approval

When you're completing an Authority to transport absent person form on CIMHA, make sure it notes the following information in section 3 (some of it may automatically appear on the form)–

  • Relevant order/authority: forensic order
  • Category (if applicable): inpatient
  • Reason for absence: failed to/required to return from–limited community treatment (inpatient)

Next steps

Immediately notify the treating (or on-call) psychiatrist that the person is absent without approval.

You'll then need to undertake an initial assessment of urgency.


Outcome3f - treatment support order (unsupervised LCT)

Outcome3f

They're absent without approval

When you're completing an Authority to transport absent person form on CIMHA, make sure it notes the following information in section 3 (some of it may automatically appear on the form)–

  • Relevant order/authority: treatment support order
  • Category (if applicable): inpatient
  • Reason for absence: failed to/required to return from–limited community treatment (inpatient)

Next steps

Immediately notify the treating (or on-call) psychiatrist that the person is absent without approval.

You'll then need to undertake an initial assessment of urgency.


Outcome3g - treatment authority (unsupervised LCT)

Outcome3g

They're absent without approval

When you're completing an Authority to transport absent person form on CIMHA, make sure it notes the following information in section 3 (some of it may automatically appear on the form)–

  • Relevant order/authority: treatment authority
  • Category (if applicable): inpatient
  • Reason for absence: failed to/required to return from–limited community treatment (inpatient)

Next steps

Immediately notify the treating (or on-call) psychiatrist that the person is absent without approval.

You'll then need to undertake an initial assessment of urgency.


Outcome3h - forensic order (temp absence)

Outcome3h

They're absent without approval

When you're completing an Authority to transport absent person form on CIMHA, make sure it notes the following information in section 3 (some of it may automatically appear on the form)–

  • Relevant order/authority: forensic order
  • Category (if applicable): inpatient
  • Reason for absence: failed to/required to return from–approved temporary absence

Next steps

Immediately notify the treating (or on-call) psychiatrist that the person is absent without approval.

You'll then need to undertake an initial assessment of urgency.


Outcome3i - judicial order (temp absence)

Outcome3i

They're absent without approval

When you're completing an Authority to transport absent person form on CIMHA, make sure it notes the following information in section 3 (some of it may automatically appear on the form)–

  • Relevant order/authority: judicial order
  • Category (if applicable): (leave blank)
  • Reason for absence: failed to/required to return from–approved temporary absence

Next steps

Immediately notify the treating (or on-call) psychiatrist that the person is absent without approval.

You'll then need to undertake an initial assessment of urgency.


Outcome4a - forensic order

Outcome4a

They're absent without approval

When you're completing an Authority to transport absent person form on CIMHA, make sure it notes the following information in section 3 (some of it may automatically appear on the form)–

  • Relevant order/authority: forensic order
  • Category (if applicable): inpatient
  • Reason for absence: community patient–category of order / authority changed to inpatient

Next steps

Immediately notify the treating (or on-call) psychiatrist that the person is absent without approval.

You'll then need to undertake an initial assessment of urgency.


Outcome4b - treatment support order

Outcome4b

They're absent without approval

When you're completing an Authority to transport absent person form on CIMHA, make sure it notes the following information in section 3 (some of it may automatically appear on the form)–

  • Relevant order/authority: treatment support order
  • Category (if applicable): inpatient
  • Reason for absence: community patient–category of order / authority changed to inpatient

Next steps

Immediately notify the treating (or on-call) psychiatrist that the person is absent without approval.

You'll then need to undertake an initial assessment of urgency.


Outcome4c - treatment authority

Outcome4c

They're absent without approval

When you're completing an Authority to transport absent person form on CIMHA, make sure it notes the following information in section 3 (some of it may automatically appear on the form)–

  • Relevant order/authority: treatment authority
  • Category (if applicable): inpatient
  • Reason for absence: community patient–category of order / authority changed to inpatient

Next steps

Immediately notify the treating (or on-call) psychiatrist that the person is absent without approval.

You'll then need to undertake an initial assessment of urgency.


Outcome5a - forensic order (community)

Outcome5a

They're absent without approval

When you're completing an Authority to transport absent person form on CIMHA, make sure it notes the following information in section 3 (some of it may automatically appear on the form)–

  • Relevant order/authority: forensic order
  • Category (if applicable): community
  • Reason for absence: community patient–failed to attend appointment as required

Next steps

Immediately notify the treating (or on-call) psychiatrist that the person is absent without approval.

You'll then need to undertake an initial assessment of urgency.


Outcome5b - treatment support order (community)

Outcome5b

They're absent without approval

When you're completing an Authority to transport absent person form on CIMHA, make sure it notes the following information in section 3 (some of it may automatically appear on the form)–

  • Relevant order/authority: treatment support order
  • Category (if applicable): community
  • Reason for absence: community patient–failed to attend appointment as required

Next steps

Immediately notify the treating (or on-call) psychiatrist that the person is absent without approval.

You'll then need to undertake an initial assessment of urgency.


Outcome5c - treatment authority (community)

Outcome5c

They're absent without approval

When you're completing an Authority to transport absent person form on CIMHA, make sure it notes the following information in section 3 (some of it may automatically appear on the form)–

  • Relevant order/authority: treatment authority
  • Category (if applicable): community
  • Reason for absence: community patient–failed to attend appointment as required

Next steps

Immediately notify the treating (or on-call) psychiatrist that the person is absent without approval.

You'll then need to undertake an initial assessment of urgency.


Outcome5d - judicial orders

Outcome5d

They're absent without approval

When you're completing an Authority to transport absent person form on CIMHA, make sure it notes the following information in section 3 (some of it may automatically appear on the form)–

  • Relevant order/authority: judicial order (including examination order)
  • Category (if applicable): (leave blank)
  • Reason for absence: community patient–failed to attend appointment as required

Next steps

Immediately notify the treating (or on-call) psychiatrist that the person is absent without approval.

You'll then need to undertake an initial assessment of urgency.


Outcome5e - forensic order (community)

Outcome5e

They're absent without approval

When you're completing an Authority to transport absent person form on CIMHA, make sure it notes the following information in section 3 (some of it may automatically appear on the form)–

  • Relevant order/authority: forensic order
  • Category (if applicable): community
  • Reason for absence: community patient–failed to attend appointment as required

Remember, you don't need to change their category to 'inpatient' to authorise their return.

If they only require short-term treatment when returned (for example, administering medication with no overnight admission), then they can remain on the 'community' category.


Next steps

Immediately notify the treating (or on-call) psychiatrist that the person is absent without approval.

You'll then need to undertake an initial assessment of urgency.


Outcome5f - treatment support order (community)

Outcome5f

They're absent without approval

When you're completing an Authority to transport absent person form on CIMHA, make sure it notes the following information in section 3 (some of it may automatically appear on the form)–

  • Relevant order/authority: treatment support order
  • Category (if applicable): community
  • Reason for absence: community patient–failed to attend appointment as required

Remember, you don't need to change their category to 'inpatient' to authorise their return.

If they only require short-term treatment when returned (for example, administering medication with no overnight admission), then they can remain on the 'community' category.


Next steps

Immediately notify the treating (or on-call) psychiatrist that the person is absent without approval.

You'll then need to undertake an initial assessment of urgency.


Outcome5g - treatment authority (community)

Outcome5g

They're absent without approval

When you're completing an Authority to transport absent person form on CIMHA, make sure it notes the following information in section 3 (some of it may automatically appear on the form)–

  • Relevant order/authority: treatment authority
  • Category (if applicable): community
  • Reason for absence: community patient–failed to attend appointment as required

Remember, you don't need to change their category to 'inpatient' to authorise their return.

If they only require short-term treatment when returned (for example, administering medication with no overnight admission), then they can remain on the 'community' category.


Next steps

Immediately notify the treating (or on-call) psychiatrist that the person is absent without approval.

You'll then need to undertake an initial assessment of urgency.


Outcome5h - not under MHA

Outcome5h

They're absent without approval

When you're completing an Authority to transport absent person form on CIMHA, make sure it notes the following information in section 3 of the form–

  • Relevant order/authority: detained for purposes of making recommendation
  • Category (if applicable): (leave blank)
  • Reason for absence: community patient–failed to attend appointment as required

Next steps

Immediately notify the treating (or on-call) psychiatrist that the person is absent without approval.

You'll then need to undertake an initial assessment of urgency.


Last updated: 25 August 2022