Management of Patients Refusing Treatment

Within Australia, under the duty of care and guardianship rules, patients (including those who present following a suicide attempt or who are intoxicated by drugs) do not have to consent for treatment to proceed under the following circumstances:

• Their condition is potentially and imminently life threatening

and

• Immediate treatment is medically indicated

After being informed that consent is not required and that their condition is life threatening, if the patient actively resists treatment, the patient may be restrained.

NB. It is not necessary for the patient to be scheduled, nor for them to see a psychiatrist nor does a mental illness or disorder have to be present.