Mental Health Act (Sections)

Question 1

Which sections are used for Voluntary admission?

Answer 1

SECTION 131

The patient can be admitted for care and treatment without any formal restrictions, and they’re also free to leave at any time.

Question 2

Which sections are used for Involuntary admission?

Answer 2

SECTION 2
The patient needs to be admitted for further assessment. It lasts for up to 28 days, and can’t be renewed. Two doctors are needed.

SECTION 3
The patient needs to be admitted for medical treatment. It lasts for up to 6 months, and can be renewed. Two doctors are needed.

Question 3

Which sections are used for Emergency admission?

Answer 3

SECTION 4
An outpatient needs to be admitted, but it’s not possible to wait for a section 2. It lasts for up to 72 hrs. One doctor is needed.

SECTION 5(2)
An inpatient needs to detained and kept in hospital. It lasts for up to 72 hrs. One doctor is needed.

SECTION 5(4)
The same as section 5(2), but a nurse can do it. It lasts for up to 6 hrs.

Question 4

Which sections are used for admission by Police?

Answer 4

SECTION 135
Police need to enter private property, by force, to remove a person suffering from a mental health disorder and take them to a place of safety. It lasts for up to 24 hrs.

SECTION 136
Police are in public and need to remove a person suffering from a mental health disorder and take them to a place of safety. It lasts for up to 24 hrs.