Mental Health (compulsory assessment and treatment) Act 1992 Flashcards
Define mental disorder
Mental disorder, in relation to any person, means an abnormal state of mind (whether of continuous or intermittent nature) characterized by delusions or by disorders of mood, perception, volition, or cognition of such degree that it:
- POSES a serious danger to the health or safety of that person or of others or;
- SERIOUSLY diminishes the capacity of that person to take care of himself.
What are your powers for dealing with patients absent without leave?
Patients who have absconded or are absent without leave may be apprehended and returned to hospital at any time.
What are your powers in relation to mentally disordered people in public places?
Section 109
Any members of police may apprehend
Any person wandering at large in a public place AND
Behaving in a manner that gives rise to a reasonable belief that he/she may be mentally disordered
AND
The member believes it is in the interest of the person or public to do so.
What are your powers in relation to assisting medical practitioners (Section 110C)
Police powers of entry when urgent assistance is necessary
Any member of police called upon in such circumstances may
Enter the premises by force if necessary
AND
Detain the person in those premises until the assessment examination has been conducted
OR
Take the person to some other place nominated by the medical practitioner, for the purposes of a medical examination or an assessment examination, and detain at the location until the examination has been conducted.
What is positional asphyxia and what procedures would you follow to prevent it?
Positional Asphyxia occurs when a persons bodily position results in partial or complete airway obstruction that is, they cannot breathe properly. It may be simply that their mouth and nose is covered or it may be that the internal respiratory passages are blocked by neck compression and/or restriction of the chest or abdomen.
What is the police role in assisting a DAO under section 41 of the act?
A DAO May call upon the assistance of any member of police so that they may assess a patient OR transport a patient for assessment or treatment.
No person shall be detained for more than six hours.
Police powers of entry when urgent assistance is necessary
Any member of police called upon in such circumstances may
Enter the premises by force if necessary
AND
Detain the person in those premises until the assessment examination has been conducted
OR
Take the person to some other place nominated by the medical practitioner, for the purposes of a medical examination or an assessment examination, and detain at the location until the examination has been conducted.
What does the memorandum of understanding state with regards to transporting patients
DAOs are responsible for arranging transportation of patients. Where police are required to assist, the decision on the type of vehicle to be used should be made by the DAO or doctor in consultation with the attending police.
DAO must physically accompany and monitor the patient at all times.
