This guide is informational. Always verify how the rules apply to your specific case.
Short answer: The LPT criteria in Section 3 require three things simultaneously: (1) serious mental disorder, (2) an indispensable need for psychiatric care that cannot be met without inpatient 24-hour care – or conditions for open compulsory care – and (3) that the patient opposes the care or cannot give informed consent. Mere concern, diagnosis, or that someone "should be admitted" is not enough.
| What the law examines | What it is not | |
|---|---|---|
| Serious mental disorder | A sufficiently serious psychiatric condition here and now. | Any mental health issue, loneliness, or crisis without disturbance at that level. |
| Indispensable need for care | Care cannot be provided in any way other than inpatient 24-hour care, or with special conditions in an open form. | That voluntary outpatient care "would be good" or that relatives are exhausted. |
| Consent is lacking | The patient says no, or due to the condition cannot take a position. | That someone is hesitant, afraid, or wants to read the medical record first. |
1. Serious mental disorder
The concept is legal, not just medical. It targets conditions of a psychotic nature and comparable severity. A temporary intoxication-induced state is not automatically sufficient. Solely developmental disorder may not, according to Section 3, third paragraph form the basis for LPT. form the basis for LPT.
Ask healthcare: which disorder is referred to, what observations support it, and is the assessment current? An old medical record diagnosis does not replace today's examination.
2. Indispensable need – inpatient or open form
For inpatient psychiatric compulsory care, the need cannot be met in any other way than by admission for qualified psychiatric 24-hour care. It is a high requirement. That the patient can be expected to stop taking medication if compulsory care ceases is not in itself sufficient to maintain inpatient LPT.
For open psychiatric compulsory care, it is required that the patient needs to observe special conditions to be given necessary care. The conditions must be concrete. Open LPT generally presupposes that inpatient care has preceded it.
In the assessment, it should also be considered whether the patient, due to the disorder, is dangerous to someone else's safety or health. Danger to others is a relevance criterion – not an independent, loose basis that replaces the three requirements.
3. Opposes the care – or cannot consent
The law requires either a no, or a well-founded reason to assume that care cannot be given with consent due to the mental condition. A yes that clearly lacks grounding may in some cases not count as valid consent. Conversely: wanting to understand the decision, bring a support person, or read the medical record is not the same as opposing care.
Do not say a flat no in panic. Say what you can cooperate with, what you want in writing, and which voluntary care you accept. Ask for the response to be correctly recorded.
How to Respond to an LPT Assessment
- Fact: What is alleged to have happened, at what time, and who witnessed it?
- Disturbance: What serious mental disorder is referred to today, not three years ago?
- Need for Care: Why is voluntary inpatient care, outpatient care, or home visits insufficient?
- Consent: Have you actually said no to the proposed care, or just asked for time?
- Proportionality: What less intrusive measure has been tried?
Request the care certificate and admission decision. Read the LPT hub and the guide on care certificates and LPT 47.
Frequently Asked Questions about LPT Criteria
What are the criteria for LPT?
Serious mental disorder, indispensable need for psychiatric care (inpatient round-the-clock care or conditions for outpatient compulsory care), and the patient opposes the care or cannot give informed consent.
What is required to be involuntarily committed under LPT?
All three requirements in Section 3 must be met. Additionally, a care certificate is required before admission. Anxiety, relatives' exhaustion, or an old diagnosis alone are not sufficient.
When can LPT become relevant?
When voluntary psychiatric care cannot be provided and the law's three requirements are met here and now. A report of concern by the social services is a different process.
Read more and sources
Last fact-checked: August 17, 2026.
