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NB Form 13: Second Certificate of Detention (MHA)

After a first certificate of detention expires, continuing an involuntary patient's detention in New Brunswick requires this second certificate under section 13(1)(b) of the Mental Health Act. Two psychiatrists, one being the attending psychiatrist, each personally examine the patient and jointly certify that the admission criteria are still met. It continues detention for up to two months after the first certificate expires.

Who completes it

The attending psychiatrist completes paragraph 1 and a second psychiatrist practising in New Brunswick completes paragraph 2, each confirming a personal examination. Both sign the joint opinion and the dates of the continued detention period.

Submitting and payment

How to submit it
Once both psychiatrists sign, the form directs that it be sent immediately to Psychiatric Patient Advocate Services. The patient is told of the certificate and the right to apply to the review board, and the administrator notifies the nearest relative in writing.
Who pays
Completing Form 13 falls under Medicare service code 9386, MHA completion of other forms, in the April 2026 New Brunswick Physicians' Manual, limited to one per patient per day.

Good to know

  • Both psychiatrists must agree on all four criteria: serious mental illness, likely serious harm or substantial mental or physical deterioration, unsuitability as a voluntary patient, and inappropriate less restrictive alternatives.
  • The second certificate may continue detention for not more than two months after the date the first certificate of detention expires, and the form records both the start and end dates.
  • Detention beyond the second certificate moves to the review board: the attending psychiatrist applies on Form 15, and the board may issue Form 14 for up to three months.
  • As with Form 12, completion triggers notice to the patient of the right to a review board hearing under section 31, and written notice to the nearest relative.

Get the official form

Download the current version from the source each time; forms change without notice.

Form 13 - Second Certificate of Detention

Formule 13 - Deuxième certificat de détention

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A form is listed only after its name and number were confirmed on the issuing agency’s or insurer’s own website, or in the form itself. Each entry links to that source. The list was last checked in October 2026. Forms and their requirements change without notice, so check the official page for the current version before you complete one.

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Frequently asked questions

Does Form 13 need two psychiatrists?

Yes. Section 13(1)(b) of the Mental Health Act requires a second certificate of detention to be completed by two psychiatrists, one of whom is the attending psychiatrist, each on personal examination. Both sign the certificate and state the shared opinion that the four criteria are met.

How long can a second certificate of detention last?

Up to two months after the first certificate of detention expires. If the patient still meets the criteria after that, any further certificate is issued by the review board on the attending psychiatrist's recommendation and may last up to three months after the last certificate expires.