Mental Health Act Flashcards
What is section 2 of the mental health act for?
Admission for assessment
Treatment can be given against a patient’s consent
How long does section 2 of the MHA last?
28 days (cannot be renewed)
What criteria must a patient fit to be treated under the MHA?
They must have a mental disorder
They must be a risk to the safety of themselves or others
Their condition must be treatable
What are the 5 key principles of the mental capacity act?
A person is assumed to have capacity unless proven otherwise
Steps must be taken to help a person have capacity
An unwise decision does not mean the patient lacks capacity
Any decisions taken under the MCA must be in a patient’s best interests
Any decisions made should be the least restrictive
What is an approved mental health professional AMHP?
A healthcare professional who receive and coordinate mental health assessment referrals
What is an S12 approved doctor?
A doctor (usually a consultant psychiatrist) who is approved under section 12 of the mental health act
Who is needed for someone to be detained under section 2 of the MHA?
Two healthcare professionals - one S12 approved doctor
What evidence is needed to detain someone under section 2 of the MHA?
Patient is suffering from a mental health disorder of a degree that warrants detention for assessment
The patient is at risk to themselves or to others
What is section 3 of the mental health act for?
Detention for treatment
How long does section 3 of the MHA last?
6 months (and can be renewed)
Who is needed for someone to be detained under section 3 of the MHA?
Two healthcare professionals - one S12 approved doctor
What evidence is needed to section someone under section 3 of the MHA?
Patient is suffering from a mental disorder of a degree which makes it appropriate for the patient to receive medical treatment in a hospital
Treatment is in the best interests of the patients and others safety
Appropriate treatment must be available for the patient
What is section 4 of the MHA used for?
An emergency 72 hour assessment order, used when a section 2 would cause too much delay
How many healthcare professionals are needed for a section 4?
Just one - it is used when waiting for a second doctor would be detrimental
What is section 5(2) of the MHA used for?
Section 5(2) is used by doctors for keeping a patient already admitted voluntary to hospital in hopsital
