Public Health Act 2005

This section applies if a designated medical officer becomes aware, or reasonably suspects, that a child at a health service facility—

has been harmed or is at risk of harm; and

is likely to leave or be taken from the facility and suffer harm if the designated medical officer does not take immediate action.

The designated medical officer may order that the child be held at the facility (a care and treatment order).

The designated medical officer must immediately make a written record of the care and treatment order that includes the following—

details of the child’s condition;

the reasons for the order;

the name of the facility where the child is held;

the time that is 48 hours from the time the order is made.

The designated medical officer must explain to the child in general terms the purpose and effect of the order.