Sectioning Under the Mental Health Act

Question 1

Describe Section 2 of the MHA.

Answer 1

1. Admission for assessment for up to 28 days.
2. An approved Mental Health Professional (AMHP) makes the application on the recommedation of 2 doctors.
3. One of the doctors should be ‘approved’ under Section 12(2) of the MHA (usually consultant psychiatrist)

Question 2

Describe Section 3 of the MHA.

Answer 2

1. Admission for treatment for up to 6 months. (can be renewed)
2. AMHP along with 2 doctors who have seen the patient within the last 24 hours.

Question 3

Can a Section 2 be renewed?

Answer 3

No

Question 4

Describe Section 4 of the MHA.

Answer 4

1. 72 hour assessment order
2. Used an emergency when a section 2 is delayed.
3. A GP and an AMHP or NR (nearest relative) can do.
4. Often changed to section 2 on arrival to hospital.

Question 5

Describe Section 5(2) of the MHA.

Answer 5

A patient who is a voluntary patient in hospital can be legally detained by a doctor for 72 hours for an assessment to be arranged.

Question 6

Describe Section 5(4) of the MHA.

Answer 6

Similar to section 5(2) but it allows a nurse to detain a voluntary patient in hospital for 6 hours for assessment

Question 7

Describe Section 17a of the MHA

Answer 7

Supervised community treatment order.

Question 8

Describe section 135 of the MHA

Answer 8

A court order can be obtained to allow the police to break into a property to remove a person to a place of safety.

Question 9

Describe section 136 of the MHA

Answer 9

Someone found in a public place who appears to have a mental disorder can be taken by the polcie to a place of safety.

Question 10

What 2 conditions need to be met for the MHA to be applicable.

Answer 10

1. Over the age of 16 years.
2. They cannot be under the influence of alcohol or drugs.