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Nova Scotia IPTA Form 2: Psychiatric Assessment Part 1

A physician uses this Involuntary Psychiatric Treatment Act certificate after a medical examination of a person who appears to meet the criteria for involuntary psychiatric assessment in Nova Scotia. Two certificates from two separate physicians, or one Form 2 plus a Form 3, authorize a peace officer to take the person into custody and hold them for up to 72 hours for a psychiatrist's assessment.

Who completes it

The physician who examined the person completes and signs the whole form, recording the date, time, location and method of the examination. A second Form 2 comes from a different physician, unless the first physician completes Form 3.

Submitting and payment

How to submit it
Once completed, the form must be filed with the designated Nova Scotia Health or IWK mental health and addictions staff or administrative office responsible for managing IPTA health records.

Good to know

  • The form requires all three criteria: an apparent mental disorder, at least one listed harm or deterioration ground resulting from it, and benefit from inpatient psychiatric treatment while not suitable for voluntary admission.
  • The certificate is not effective unless the physician signs it within 72 hours after the examination; the examination may be in person, by video call or by telephone with a stated rationale.
  • The 72-hour hold starts when the person is detained under the second Form 2, or when that certificate is signed if the person is already at the place of detention.
  • Time spent detained before the second Form 2 (or Form 3) is issued does not count toward the 72 hours, according to the form's instructions.

Get the official form

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

Form 2 - Certificate for Involuntary Psychiatric Assessment - Part 1

Official pagePDF

Fill it with Vero

If your copy of the form is a fillable PDF, upload it once and Vero Documents fills it from the visit note and the chart, ready for you to review and sign. Download, print, or email the finished form, with the patient’s consent.

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How this list is checked

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

How many Form 2 certificates are needed in Nova Scotia?

Two, from two separate physicians, before a person can be taken into custody or detained. The exception is subsection 10(2): one physician's certificate is enough when that physician also completes Form 3, confirming compelling circumstances and that no second physician is readily available.

What does Form 2 authorize?

Under subsection 10(1), two certificates authorize any peace officer to take the person into custody and to a suitable place for an involuntary psychiatric assessment as soon as possible, detention, restraint and observation for not more than 72 hours, and a psychiatrist to conduct the assessment.

Can a Form 2 examination be done by video or telephone?

Yes. The 2024 version of the form has checkboxes for in person, video call or telephone, and asks the physician to state the rationale when the examination was not in person. The examination can take place at any hospital, health centre or community location.