Mental Health (Secure Facilities) Act 2016

An authorised health practitioner may use force under this division only if the authorised health practitioner—

gives a clear warning of the intended use of force; and

allows enough time for the warning to be observed; and

uses no more force than is necessary and reasonable in the circumstances; and

uses force, as far as practicable, in a way that reduces the risk of causing death or grievous bodily harm.

However, the authorised health practitioner need not comply with subsection (1) (a) or (b) if, in urgent circumstances, the authorised health practitioner believes on reasonable grounds that doing so would create a risk of injury to the authorised health practitioner, the patient or anyone else.

Example—urgent circumstances the patient is assaulting someone or engaging in self-harm