This guide is informational. Always verify how the rules apply to your specific case.
Short answer: A care certificate is a medical certificate according to Section 4 of the LPT indicating that there are probable reasons for involuntary psychiatric inpatient care. It must be based on a special examination conducted immediately in connection with the certificate. Section 47 of the LPT obligates the police to provide assistance (police assistance) when a doctor needs to conduct the examination, when the patient is to be taken to a healthcare facility, or when someone who has absconded is to be brought back. A care certificate is not the same as a final admission decision.
What is a care certificate according to the LPT?
Without a care certificate, a decision on admission for involuntary care cannot be made. The certificate must show that there are probable reasons that the conditions for involuntary psychiatric inpatient care are met. An examination for a care certificate may only be conducted if there is reasonable cause. It is performed by a licensed doctor.
If the examination cannot be conducted with consent, the patient may be taken into custody for examination. This decision can only be made by a doctor in public service, or by a doctor who, according to an agreement with the region, has that specific task. The care certificate must be issued immediately in connection with the examination and contain an account of the disorder and the need for care.
The care certificate is a basis. Admission is then decided at the healthcare facility. Read the criteria and the LPT hub.
What does LPT 47 and police assistance mean?
In everyday language, “LPT 47” means that the police retrieve or accompany someone to psychiatry. In the law, Section 47 of the LPT is an assistance rule: The Police Authority shall provide help upon request when needed for
- a qualified doctor to conduct an examination for a care certificate,
- the patient to be taken to a healthcare facility in connection with admission, or
- a patient who has absconded to be brought back.
The police do not decide on the LPT. The police execute a doctor's decision. Ask to know which legal provision is invoked and if there is a written decision or care certificate. Only film if it is safe and you do not obstruct the work – see filming the police.
What happens after the care certificate?
- The patient may, after a doctor's decision, be detained until the admission question is resolved.
- An admission decision should be made quickly, in practice within 24 hours of arrival.
- The first care period according to the LPT is a maximum of four weeks, thereafter administrative court.
Detention is not the same as the administrative court having already reviewed the care. Request both decisions: care certificate and admission.
What you can demand the same day
- a copy of the care certificate and examination notes,
- the name and position of the doctor who conducted the examination,
- the admission decision when available,
- information about public counsel,
- the police's case number if assistance occurred,
- your own timeline: when the police arrived, when the doctor arrived, where the transport went.
Relatives do not always receive the medical record. Ask the patient, or the counsel, to request the documents. See patient record and official documents.
Frequently Asked Questions about Care Certificates and LPT 47
What is a care certificate LPT?
A medical certificate according to Section 4 stating that there are probable reasons for involuntary psychiatric care. It must be based on a special examination and written immediately following it.
What is LPT 47 police?
Section 47 LPT concerns police assistance: the police shall, upon request, assist with the examination for a care certificate, transport to a care facility, or return if the patient has absconded. The police do not decide on the involuntary care itself.
Can the police take someone to psychiatry without a doctor?
The police can intervene in case of danger according to other regulations, but the LPT process requires a doctor for a care certificate. Ask which legal provision is being used and request it in writing.
Sources
Last fact-checked: August 17, 2026.
