Abstract Book - International Academy of Law and Mental Health

four levels, with violations such as failure to follow parole agent recommendations and changingresidence rated as “lowest” severity. Violations for criminal behaviours, such as robbery orbattery, were rated as “highest” severity. Within a four-by-four grid defined by offender risklevel and offense severity, recommended responses ranged from mild warnings to reincarcerationat the state level. An evaluation of the program revealed that overall, the severity of violationappeared to be a more powerful predictor of reincarceration than offender risk level. Our samplecontained substantial numbers of parolees who had been released from prison for drug offenses.In addition, drug offenses constituted a large proportion of violation charges. This presentationexamines the effects of the PVDMI for drug offenders. More specifically, we examine how theparole violation decision-making instrument was used for high-risk drug offenders and theirsubsequent violations and whether the recommended sanctions (which could include drugtreatment) appeared to be related to better outcomes, relative to non-drug offenders.Substance Misuse, Violent Offending, and the LawTony Adiele, Advanced Forensic Psychiatric and Medical Law Service, Cambridge, UK(tony@advancedforensicpsychiatry.co.uk)It is a tacit belief amongst members of the public as well as mental health professionals that aconcrete relationship exists between an individual’s misuse of psychotropic substances (bothlegal and illegal) and the individual’s involvement in violent offences either as a perpetrator or asa victim. However, whether such a presumed relationship is direct, indirect, positive or negativerequires careful examination. Also, further exploration is needed on whether any such existingrelationship is largely dependent on the specific substance used or combinations thereof. Overthe years, the legal systems obtainable in various countries and continents have manifestlyexercised different approaches when faced with a defendant charged with a serious violent crimecommitted while apparently under the influence of such mind-altering substance(s). Thispresentation will therefore attempt to address these multivariate and complex issues based oncurrent empirical evidence, forensic psychiatry clinical practice and the English Legal System.Prototypical medico-legal case vignettes will be discussed at the end of the presentation.Self-Regulation of Addiction-Related Complaints: A Study of Nursesin a Disciplinary JurisdictionDiane Kunyk, University of Alberta (diane.kunyk@ualberta.ca)Addiction is a bona fide medical condition expressed amongst some members of mostoccupations and professions. When it occurs within the health professions, there are profoundsafety implications for patients receiving care — and for the health of the highly skilled andvalued health professional. When self-regulating, the health professions are responsible forensuring that their members deliver safe and ethical care. Given their pedestal status in the14