Mental health providers in Scotland must urgently consider the implications of new compulsory community treatment orders, delegates were told.
Shona Neil, chief executive of the Scottish Association of Mental Health, said that while she welcomed many parts of the act such as tribunals and advance statements, compulsory orders were a "step too far".
She also said that some providers might be uneasy about providing services under compulsion and would be expected to give evidence to a mental health tribunal to impose an order.
Donald Lyons, director of the Mental Welfare Commission, told the conference it was right to introduce the orders but said he had concerns they could be used to "restrict rather than enable" people.
He promised that the commission would visit everyone placed on an order within six months to examine the grounds for the order and the quality of care.
The orders will be introduced in October under the Mental Health (Care and Treatment) (Scotland) Act 2003.
