Terms of Service

Agreement to Terms

These Terms of Service ("Terms") govern the provision of forensic psychiatric services by this practice ("the Practice"). By engaging our services, you ("Client", "Referrer") agree to be bound by these Terms.

These Terms apply to all medicolegal assessments, forensic psychiatric evaluations, expert reports, and related professional services provided by the Practice.

Professional Services Provided

Forensic Psychiatric Services

The Practice provides expert forensic psychiatric services including:

• Independent psychiatric assessments for legal proceedings
• Personal injury and compensation psychiatric evaluations
• Criminal forensic assessments and fitness evaluations
• Workplace injury and insurance psychiatric assessments
• Capacity assessments and guardianship evaluations
• Expert witness testimony and court appearances
• Medicolegal report preparation and consultation

Professional Standards

All services are provided in accordance with:

• Irish Medical Council professional conduct standards
• Medical regulatory body guidelines in all jurisdictions of practice
• Applicable professional college codes of ethics
• Relevant court rules and legal practice requirements
• GDPR and applicable data protection legislation

Referral and Service Engagement

Referral Requirements

Referrals for Forensic Psychiatric assessment must include:

• Clear instructions regarding the scope and purpose of assessment
• Relevant legal documentation and case materials
• Available medical records and previous reports
• Contact information for the person to be assessed
• Timeframe requirements and court dates if applicable
• Fee agreement and payment arrangements

Service Limitations

The Practice reserves the right to:

• Decline referrals that fall outside areas of expertise
• Refuse assessments where conflicts of interest exist
• Require additional information before accepting referrals
• Modify assessment scope based on clinical findings
• Withdraw from cases where professional obligations are compromised

Professional Obligations and Independence

Expert Independence

The Practice maintains complete professional independence and objectivity. All assessments and reports are:

• Based solely on clinical findings and professional opinion
• Independent of the interests of any party to proceedings
• Prepared in accordance with expert witness duties to the court
• Objective, impartial, and evidence-based
• Compliant with professional and ethical standards

Duty to the Court

As an expert witness, the primary duty is to the court, not to the party instructing the assessment. This includes:

• Providing honest, objective, and unbiased opinions
• Acknowledging limitations in expertise or available information
• Correcting errors or updating opinions when necessary
• Complying with court directions and procedural requirements

Fees and Payment Terms

Fee Structure

Professional fees are charged for:

• Clinical assessment and interview time
• Report preparation and writing
• File review and case preparation
• Court attendance and expert testimony
• Conference attendance and consultation
• Travel time and associated expenses

Payment Terms

Payment arrangements:

• Fee estimates provided prior to commencement of work
• Payment terms agreed in writing before assessment
• Invoices payable within 30 days of issue
• Interest may be charged on overdue accounts
• Reports may be withheld pending payment of fees
• Fees quoted in the currency appropriate to the jurisdiction of service

Confidentiality and Privacy

The Practice maintains strict confidentiality in accordance with:

• Medical confidentiality and privacy obligations
• GDPR and applicable data protection legislation
• Professional codes of conduct and ethical standards
• Legal professional privilege where applicable

Information may only be disclosed as required by law, court order, or with appropriate consent. Please refer to our Privacy Policy for detailed information about information handling practices.

Limitations and Disclaimers

Service Limitations

Services are limited to forensic psychiatric assessment and do not include:

• Ongoing psychiatric treatment or therapy
• Emergency psychiatric care or crisis intervention
• Prescription of medication or treatment recommendations
• Legal advice or representation
• Guarantees regarding legal outcomes or proceedings

Professional Disclaimers

While the Practice maintains professional indemnity insurance and adheres to professional standards:

• Assessments are based on available information at the time of evaluation
• Opinions may change with additional information or changed circumstances
• No warranty is provided regarding legal outcomes or case results
• Professional opinions are subject to peer review and legal challenge

Cancellation and Rescheduling

Appointment cancellation and rescheduling policies:

• Minimum 48 hours notice required for cancellations
• Late cancellations may incur fees for reserved time
• Emergency rescheduling accommodated where possible
• Court date changes require immediate notification
• Travel arrangements may affect rescheduling options

Dispute Resolution

Any disputes regarding services should be addressed through:

• Direct communication with the Practice
• Professional mediation if required
• Relevant professional regulatory bodies in the applicable jurisdiction
• Legal proceedings as a last resort

The Practice is committed to resolving any concerns professionally and promptly while maintaining appropriate professional boundaries.

Governing Law and Jurisdiction

These Terms are governed by:

• Australian law for services provided in Australia
• Irish law for services provided in Ireland
• English law for services provided in the United Kingdom
• The law of the jurisdiction where services are primarily delivered

Changes to Terms

These Terms may be updated periodically to reflect changes in professional practice, legal requirements, or regulatory standards. Updated Terms will be made available and clients will be notified of material changes.