Legal Aspects of Psychiatry Flashcards
What is the Mental Health Act 2003?
It increases the rights and protection of individuals with mental disorders
What are the three types of mental health disorders? What section defines this?
Mental illness
Learning disability
Personality disorder
Section 328
Does the Mental Health Act define alcohol/substance misuse alone as a mental disorder?
No
Which age group does the Mental Health Act 2003 apply to?
It can be applied to individuals of all ages, including those under the age of 18
What are the three civil compulsory powers determined by the Mental Health Act 2003?
Detainment
Assessment
Treatment
What are the three types of detentions in the Mental Health Act 2003?
Emergency Detention
Short Term Detention
Compulsory Treatment Order
How long does an emergency detention certification (EDC) authorise detention for?
72 hours
Note: This does not include the time taken to travel to hospital
Who can conduct an emergency detention certificate (EDC)?
A registered Medical Practioner
Which section of the Mental Health Act 2003 states that detainment can be determined by an approved medical practitioner?
Section 22
Which five individuals are deemed as registered medical practitioners?
GP
Consultant psychiatrist
Dental practitioner
Optician
Registered nurse
Which individuals are not regarded as registered medical practitioners?
Foundation Year 1 Doctors
What are the five criteria that must be obtained for an emergency detention certificate (EDC)?
It is considered likely that the patient has a mental disorder
The patient’s decision making ability with regard to medical treatment for that mental disorder is significantly impaired
It must be necessary as a matter of urgency to detain the patient in hospital in order to determine what medical treatment should be provided to the patient for the suspected mental disorder.
There would also be significant risk to the health, safety or welfare if the patient, or the safety of another person, if the patient were not detained
The granting of a short-term detention certificate would involve undesirable delay
Can treatment be given under the emergency detention certification (EDC)?
No
Do individuals have the right to appeal an emergency detention certification (EDC)? Why?
No
This process requires the patient to instruct their solicitor to lodge an appeal, which is not practicable within 72 hours
How long does a short term detention certificate (STDC) authorise detention for?
28 days
Who can conduct a short term detention certificate (STDC)?
Registered Medical Practitioner
AND
Mental Health Officer
What are the five criteria that must be obtained for a short term detention certificate (STDC)?
It is considered likely that the patient has a mental disorder
The patient’s decision making ability with regard to medical treatment for that mental disorder is significantly impaired
It must be necessary to detain the patient in hospital in order to determine what medical treatment should be provided to the patient for the suspected mental disorder
There would also be significant risk to the health, safety or welfare if the patient, or the safety of another person, if the patient were not detained
The granting of a short-term detention certificate is necessary
How do we determine whether an individual has significant impairment of decision making ability about medical treatment for mental disorder?
We conduct a SIDMA test, which assesses for the following…
- Lack of insight
- Cognitive impairment
- Psychosis
- Severe depression
- Learning disability
Do individuals have the right to appeal a short term detention certification (STDC)?
Yes
How long does a compulsory order treatment certificate (COT) authorise detention for?
6 months
Who can conduct a compulsory treatment order certificate (COT)?
The application for this certification is conducted by a Mental Health Officer, supported by two approved Medical Practioners, to the Mental Health Tribunal
What are the five criteria that must be obtained for a compulsory treatment order certificate (COT)?
It is considered likely that the patient has a mental disorder
The patient’s decision making ability with regard to medical treatment for that mental disorder is significantly impaired
It must be necessary to detain the patient in hospital in order to determine what medical treatment should be provided to the patient for the suspected mental
There would also be significant risk to the health, safety or welfare if the patient, or the safety of another person, if the patient were not detained
The granting of a compulsory treatment order certificate is necessary
How regularly should compulsory treatment order certificates (COT) be reviewed?
Every 2 years
How long does a nurse holding power authorise detention for?
2 hours
When is a nurse holding power conducted?
It is used when detention in hospital is required until assessment from a doctor can be conducted
In general what are the five criteria of the Mental Health Act 2003?
Mental disorder is likely
They are not competent
Treatment is available
The patient is at risk to themselves or others
Hospitalisation is necessary