Mental State Examination – Board for Forensic Psychiatric Affairs

Tasks of the Board 

The Board for Forensic Psychiatric Affairs of the Finnish Institute for Health and Welfare examines and decides on statements concerning mental state and assessments of dangerousness. 

The Board decides on ordering a person to involuntary psychiatric hospital care or to special care for persons with intellectual disabilities where, at the conclusion of a mental state examination, the person is assessed to require such care under the Mental Health Act. 

The Board also decides on the termination of such care.

Composition and meetings of the Board 

The Chair of the Board is an official of THL. The Board members represent expertise in forensic psychiatry, municipal psychiatry and law, and, where necessary, expertise in matters concerning intellectual disability. The Board meets weekly.

Chair

Lauri Marika, Lawyer, Finnish Institute for Health and Welfare, Chair

Jaana Suvisaari, Research Professor, Finnish Institute for Health and Welfare, Vice Chair 
Eeva Nykänen, Senior Specialist, Finnish Institute for Health and Welfare, Vice Chair 
Kati Hepokorpi, Chief Legal Counsel, Finnish Institute for Health and Welfare, Vice Chair 
Janne Luomala, Head of Unit, Finnish Institute for Health and Welfare, Vice Chair 

Member representing forensic psychiatric expertise 

Hannu Mogk, Chief Physician, Hospital District of Helsinki and Uusimaa, Member 

Eila Sailas, Line Director, Hospital District of Helsinki and Uusimaa, Deputy Member 
Outi Lehto, Deputy Chief Physician, Hospital District of Helsinki and Uusimaa, Deputy Member 

Member representing expertise in psychiatry and municipal health care 

Pekka Jylhä, Line Director, Hospital District of Helsinki and Uusimaa, Member 

Leena Turpeinen, Director of Health and Substance Abuse Services, City of Helsinki, Deputy Member 
Ilkka Ojansuu, Substance Abuse Physician, Wellbeing Services County of North Savo, Deputy Member 

Member representing legal expertise 

Kirsi Erkkilä, Senior Judicial Adviser, Rovaniemi Court of Appeal, Member 

Jarkko Reittu, Legal Counsel, Finnish Institute for Health and Welfare, Deputy Member 
Harri Lehtonen, Legal Counsel, City of Helsinki Social and Health Services, Deputy Member 
Maija Voutilainen, Legal Counsel, Finnish Institute for Health and Welfare, Deputy Member 
Sakari Melander, Professor of Criminal Law, University of Helsinki, Deputy Member 

Member representing expertise in intellectual disability 

Terhi Koskentausta, Chief Physician, Päijät-Häme Wellbeing Services County, Member 

Lumikukka Socada, Chief Physician, Pirkanmaa Wellbeing Services County, Deputy Member