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
How long does section 5(2) of the MHA last for?
72 hours
What is section 5(4) of the MHA used for?
Section 5(4) is used by nurses for keeping a patient already admitted voluntarily to hospital, in hospital
What is section 135 of the MHA used for?
Section 135 is used by police - a court order is obtained to allow the police to break into a property in order to bring the patient to a place of safety for further assessment
What is section 136 of the MHA used for?
Section 136 is used by the police - a person found in a public place that has a suspected mental health disorder can be taken to a place of safety for further assessment
