Legal Aspects Flashcards
What is the mental health act and which patients are included?
The Mental Health Act (2007) refers to a law used in England and Wales which provides a legal framework for both informal and compulsory care and treatment of people diagnosed with having a mental disorder.
A mental disorder is described as any disorder or disability of the mind and can include any of the following:
Mental illness
Personality disorder
Learning disability
Disorders of sexual preference (e.g. paedophilia)
Anyone under the influence of drugs and/or alcohol is specifically excluded from detainment under the Mental Health Act.
Which individuals are involved in application of the mental health act?
Section 12 doctor: a doctor approved to make specific medical recommendations.#
Approved mental health professional (AMHP): mental health worker (e.g. social worker, psychologist, mental health nurse, occupational therapist) who has additional mental health training and is approved by the local authority.
Responsible clinician: an approved clinician with the overall responsibility of patient care, they are responsible for renewing sections and discharging patients from a section.
Nearest relative: first relative in the MHA list.
What is section 131 of the MHA?
Section 131 of the Mental Health Act is a section of the legislation which covers the informal admission of patients.
This means that patients can be admitted for care and treatment without formal restrictions, and they are free to leave at any time.
Which section of the MHA covers the informal (voluntary) admission of patients?
Section 131
What is the criteria for admission under section 131 MHA?
To be admitted under section 131, patients must meet the following criteria:
The patient must have capacity
The patient must consent to the admission
The patient must not resist the admission
What is section 2 of the mental health act used for?
Section 2 of the Mental Health Act is used for compulsory detention for assessment.
A person can be detained under section 2 only if what two factors apply?
A person can be detained under section 2 only if both of the following apply:
The person suffers from a mental disorder that warrants detention in hospital for assessment for at least a limited period.
The person ought to be detained in the interests of their own health or safety or the protection of others.
For how long can someone be detained under section 2 of the mental health act?
The maximum period a person can be detained for assessment is 28 days, which cannot be renewed.
Who is involved in section 2 of the mental health act?
The application for admission can be made by an approved mental health professional (AMHP) or the nearest relative.
This application must be supported by two doctors, one of which must be an approved section 12 doctor.
What is section 3 of the mental health act used for?
Section 3 of the Mental Health Act is used for compulsory detention for treatment.
A person can be detained under section 3 only if what three factors apply?
The person suffers from a mental disorder of a nature or degree that makes it appropriate for them to receive treatment in hospital.
It is necessary for the health or safety of the person or the protection of others, that the person should receive treatment which cannot otherwise be provided unless the patient is detained.
Appropriate medical treatment is available for them.
For how long can someone be detained under section 3 of the MHA?
The maximum period a person can be detained under this section is 6 months, which can be renewed.
Who is involved in section 3 of the MHA?
The application for admission can be made by an AMHP or the nearest relative. The nearest relative can oppose this and/or request it is rescinded (unlike section 2).
This application must be supported by two doctors, one of which must be an approved section 12 doctor. Both doctors must have seen the patient in the last 24 hours.
Which sections of the MHA are used for involuntary admission in non-emergency situations
Section 2 and 3
Which sections of the MHA are used for emergency situations?
4
5 (2)
5 (4)
Which sections of the MHA involve police powers?
135 and 136
Which sections of the MHA involve community treatment orders?
Section 17a
What is section 5(2) used for?
Section 5(2) is an emergency order where an inpatient who is a voluntary patient in hospital can be detained for up to 72 hours for a mental health act assessment.
For how long can someone be detained under section 5(2)
72 hours
Who applys for section 5(2)
Only one doctor (usually the one in charge of the patient’s care) is required to make an application for this section.
What is section 5(4) used for?
This is similar to section 5(2), but a patient can be detained by a nurse for up to 6 hours to allow further assessment by medical staff.
When can section 5(4) be used by a nurse?
The application can be made by a qualified mental health or learning disabilities nurse if:
The patient is suffering from a mental disorder to such a degree that it is necessary for their health or safety or the protection of others, that they are immediately restrained from leaving hospital.
It is not feasible or practical for a clinician to be immediately available to detain the patient under Section 5(2).