MH Act & AwI

Question 1

What are the requirements for detention under the MH Act?

Answer 1

• Patient has a mental disorder
• Ability to make decisions about care is significantly impaired due to mental disorder
• Detention for assessment or treatment is in the best interest of the patient
• Significant risk to self or others if not detained
• Treatment is available & necessary

Question 2

What does an Emergency Detention Order allow for?

Answer 2

Lasts for 72 hours to allow for assessment

Question 3

Who can complete an Emergency Detention Order?

Answer 3

FY2 doctor or above

Question 4

What does a Short-term detention order allow for?

Answer 4

Lasts 28 days to allow for treatment

Question 5

Who can complete a short-term detention order?

Answer 5

Must be completed by registered medical officer (RMO) - most often senior reg or consultant

Question 6

What does a compulsory treatment order allow for?

Answer 6

Lasts for 6 months - usually agrees course of treatment

Question 7

Who can complete a compulsory treatment order?

Answer 7

Requires 2 medical examinations (RMO + another cons or patient’s own GP)

Question 8

How is capacity assessed?

Answer 8

Need to be able to understand, weigh and retain the information to make the decision

Question 9

Can ECT be done under AwI?

Answer 9

Yes although need second medical opinion