An application can be made to SACAT for a Level 3 Inpatient Treatment Order (ITO). This order requires that a person receives treatment as an inpatient at an approved treatment centre.

This order can only be made for a period of 12 months.

An application can be made in respect of a person to whom a level 1 or level 2 Inpatient Treatment Order applies.

What does SACAT consider?

SACAT will consider whether:

• the person has a mental illness and because of the illness, the person requires treatment either for their protection from harm or for the protection of others from harm
• the person has impaired decision-making capacity
• there is no less restrictive means than an inpatient treatment order of ensuring appropriate treatment of the illness.
• in considering whether there are less restrictive means than an inpatient treatment order, SACAT must consider whether the person would be able to receive treatment voluntarily or on a community treatment order.

SACAT does not specify what treatment a person with a mental illness is to receive where a Level 3 inpatient treatment order has been made.

This is a matter for the person’s treating doctor in the community or at the approved treatment centre.

Who can apply?

An application for a Level 3 ITO can be made by

• the Public Advocate
• the Director of an approved treatment centre
• an employee in an approved treatment centre authorised by the director.

SACAT also undertake internal reviews about Level 3 ITOs