Mental health act

Question 1

Describe section 136

Answer 1

An arrest by a police officer from a public place. Compulsory detention to a place of safety for up to 24 hours for a mental health act assessment by a medical practitioner and an AMHP

Question 2

Describe section 135

Answer 2

This allows the police to gain entry into an individuals home when an assessment under the act is being considered and voluntary access is denied. Requires a warrant authorised by a magistrate

Question 3

Describe section 5(4)

Answer 3

The compulsory detention in hospital by a registered nurse for up to 6 hours for the purpose of consideration of section 5(2). The patient must already be receiving treatment for a mental disorder as an in-patient

Question 4

Describe section 5(2)

Answer 4

The compulsory detention in hospital by the doctor in charge of the patient’s care (usually) which can last up to 72 hours to allow a mental health act assessment to take place. The patient must already be an in-patient in hospital, but not necessarily for treatment for mental disorder

Question 5

Describe section 4

Answer 5

An emergency admission to hospital for up to 72 hours to allow a mental health act assessment to take place. It requires one medical recommendation. Not more than 24 hours must have have elapsed between the medical assessment and admission.

Question 6

Describe section 2

Answer 6

Admission to hospital for assessment, followed by medical treatment, if necessary, for up to 28 days. It requires 2 medical recommendations (one a doctor). No more than 5 days must have passed between medical assessments. Application can be made by an AMHP or the patient’s nearest relative. Cannot be renewed

Question 7

Describe section 3

Answer 7

Admission to hospital for treatment for up to 6 months. requires 2 medical recommendations, no more than 5 days between medical assessments. Application can be made by an AMHP or patient’s nearest relative. Can be renewed for a second period of up to 6 months and then annually. Nearest relative can object to the detention

Question 8

Describe a community treatment order (CTO)

Answer 8

Allows certain in-patients to be discharged with some conditions and allows them to be recalled to the original section if it is necessary.