MHA & MCA Flashcards
Which HCPs must be involved in the MHA assessment?
Two doctors and one AMHP (approved mental health professional)
What is the Mental Health Act?
The Mental Health Act 1983 applies if you have a mental health problem (e.g. depression, bipolar). It sets out your rights if you’re sectioned under this Act.
What is the role of the two doctors in the MHA? What must/should they be?
- Make recommendations that the person be detained
- Each must determine if the person meets the criteria in their OWN opinion
One MUST be Section 12 approved
One SHOULD have prior knowledge of the patient
What is ‘Section 12 approved’?
Section 12 approved doctors are those approved by the Secretary of State under section 12(2) Mental Health Act 1983 (MHA), where they are described ‘as having special experience in the diagnosis or treatment of mental disorder’.
What is the role of the AMHP in the MHA?
- Makes the application to the receiving hospital
- Independent and make the final decision
What is the 3 criteria for detention under the MHA?
- Must be suffering from a MENTAL DISORDER of a nature or degree warranting admission
- Must be a RISK to their own health and/or own safety and/or the safety of others
- Must be UNWILLING TO BE ADMITTED voluntarily or LACK THE CAPACITY to make this decision
Is a diagnosis of a learning disability sufficient for detention under the MHA in its own right?
NO
Their presentation must be associated with abnormally aggressive or seriously irresponsible conduct
Nearest relative vs next of kin?
Your next of kin can be anyone you want. This would usually be a relative or close friend. You can’t choose your nearest relative.
Do ‘nearest relative’ or ‘next of kin’ have legal rights under the MHA?
Nearest relative
Most of these rights can only be used if you are detained in hospital under the Mental Health Act.
What are the legal rights of a nearest relative under the MHA?
Your nearest relative can ask for a Mental Health Act assessment (this will decide if you should be detained in hospital).
Your nearest relative can apply to discharge you from the Mental Health Act.
The nearest relative does NOT have the right to be told everything about you. This could include information about what treatment you are having.
What is an AMHP?
An AMHP is a mental health professional who is trained to use the Mental Health Act.
Give the top 8 ‘nearest relatives’
- Husband, wife or civil partner
- Son or daughter
- Father or mother
- Brother or sister
- Grandparent
- Grandchild
- Uncle or aunt
- Niece or nephew
If there are 2 people who could be the nearest relative, who is it?
The eldest
Under the MHA, what 3 things can you treat?
- The cause of the mental disorder e.g. treatment treatment of organic disease (n
e.g. hypothyroid causing depression) - The mental disorder e.g. psychotropic medication, ECT
- Direct consequences of the mental disorder e.g. self-neglect, feeding in eating disorder, overdose, self-injury
What section of the MHA covers admission for ASSESSMENT?
Section 2
A brief overview of section 2 of the MHA:
You can be detained under section 2 if:
- you have a mental disorder
- you need to be detained for a short time for assessment and possibly medical treatment, AND
- it is necessary for your own health or safety or for the protection of other people.
How long can you be detained under section 2 MHA?
Up to 28 days.
The section can’t normally be extended or renewed. But you may be assessed before the end of the 28 days to see if sectioning under section 3 is needed.
What section of the MHA covers admission for TREATMENT?
Section 3
Brief overview of section 3 MHA:
- you have a mental disorder
- you need to be detained for your own health or safety or for the protection of other people, AND
- treatment can’t be given unless you are detained in hospital.
You cannot be sectioned under this section unless the doctors also agree that appropriate treatment is available for you
How long can you be detained under section 3 MHA?
Up to 6 months.
The section can be renewed or extended by your responsible clinician.
Who must be involved in detaining under section 2 MHA?
2 doctors + 1 AMHP
Who must be involved in detaining under section 3 MHA?
2 doctors + 1 AMHP
Is there a right to appeal being detained under section 2 MHA?
Yes - within first 14 days
Is there a right to appeal being detained under section 3 MHA?
Yes - twice in first 6 months then annually
Is there a right to treat under section 2 MHA?
Yes
Is there a right to treat under section 3 MHA?
Yes
How does section 2 MHA end?
Revoked or detained under S3
How does section 3 MHA end?
Revoked or renewed
What section of the MHA covers holding powers for informal patients?
5
How does Section 5(2) differ from Section 5(4) MHA?
Section 5(2) –> Doctor’s holding power
Section 5(4) –> Nurse’s holding power
Who does section 5(2) MHA apply to?
Can apply if you are a voluntary patient or inpatient (including inpatients being treated for a physical problem).
Who does section 5(4) MHA apply to?
Section 5(4) applies if you are a voluntary patient receiving treatment for a mental disorder as an inpatient.
What nurses are able to detain a patient under 5(4) of the MHA?
A nurse specially qualified and trained to work with mental health problems or learning disabilities
How long can you be detained under section 5(2) of the MHA?
Up to 72 hours
How long can you be detained under section 5(4) of the MHA?
Up to 6 hours
Is there a right to treat under section 5(2) of the MHA?
No
Is there a right to treat under section 5(4) of the MHA?
No
Is there a right to appeal under section 5(4) of the MHA?
No
Is there a right to appeal under section 5(2) of the MHA?
No
Can section 5(2) of the MHA be renewed?
No
Can section 5(4) of the MHA be renewed?
No
How does section 5(2) of the MHA end?
Trriggers MHA assessmen
How does section 5(4) of the MHA end?
Need 5(2) assessment
What section of the MHA involves police sections?
Section 135/136