Mental health

Question 1

Definition of a person with a mental disorder?

Answer 1

An abnormal state of mind characterised by delusions or by disorder of mood, perception, volition or cognition of such degree that it:
Poses a serious danger to the health or safety of that person or others or
Seriously diminishes the capacity of that person to take care of him/ herself

Question 2

Define a Restricted patient

Answer 2

Patients subject to a compulsory treatment order but are considered to present a danger to the public

Question 3

Define a Special patient

Answer 3

Patients who are detained by way of a court order if they are found to to be criminally insane and/or unfit to plead

Question 4

What are the Powers under the mental health act 1992 to deal with special and restricted patients?

Answer 4

Special or restricted patients who have absconded or are AWOL may be apprehended and returned to hospital at any time

Question 5

What can police do to Compulsory treatment order patients that are absent without leave or who fail to comply with an order?

Answer 5

They may be apprehended and returned/ taken to hospital within three months of going missing, they are deemed to have been released from the compulsory treatment order if absent for more than three months.

Question 6

Define the role of a duly authorised officer (DAO)?

Answer 6

Qualified nurses who have specialised training in the area of mental health and then received further training on an ongoing basis.

Question 7

What are your powers when assisting a DAO under section 41?

Answer 7

Enter (by force if necessary)
Detain 1M in those premises until assessment
Or Take 1M to some other place nominated by DAO for assessment and Detain them at that place.

Question 8

What are your powers to deal with 1Ms on public places under section 109?

Answer 8

Where a 1M is wandering in a public place behaving in a manner that there is reasonable belief he/she may be mentally disordered And police believe it it is the interest of the person or public, police may apprehend and take to a police station, surgery or appropriate place and arrange for a DAO to examine that person

Question 9

What are the powers when assisting a medical practitioner under section 110C?

Answer 9

Enter (by force if necessary)
Detain 1M in those premises until assessment
Or Take 1M to some other place nominated by Dr for assessment and Detain them at that place.

Question 10

What is the maximum time any detention of a 1m can be?

Answer 10

6 hours