74Pre-assessment advice

74 Pre-assessment advice (1) The court may request from the Chief Health Officer advice regarding the availability of resources to assess the person in order to determine whether the person is in need of treatment under this Act. (2) The court may adjourn the proceedings to allow the preparation of the advice. (3) As soon as practicable after receiving the request, the Chief Health Officer must give the court written advice that includes: (a) whether or not it is practicable to conduct an outpatient assessment of the person; and (b) if an outpatient assessment is practicable – the most appropriate place, time and conditions for the assessment; and (c) if an outpatient assessment is not practicable: (i) the approved treatment facility or approved temporary treatment facility that is available for the assessment of (ii) an estimate of the time required for the assessment.

Mental Health and Related Services Act 1998 71 (4) In this section: outpatient assessment means an assessment that is not carried out at an approved treatment facility or approved temporary