The authors tested whether adjudicated decisions over whether to uphold or rescind the detention of psychiatric patients had implications in subsequent patient morbidity. Consecutive patients applying to the Consent & Capacity Board in Ontario between January 2001-March 2007 were identified. A total of 3498 decisions were rendered for 2321 unique patients. Approximately 18% of involuntary detentions were rescinded with subsequent outcomes showing a greater likelihood of emergency department visits within 100 days of discharge in the group who detention was rescinded compared to the group whose detention was upheld. When an involuntary detention is rescinded patients have a high likelihood of subsequent utilization of emergency department services for suicide related symptoms but no large increase in risk of dying. (12 refs.) JA