Sectioning under the Mental Health Act

Question 1

What is a section 2?

Answer 1

This is for treatment against a patients will, for up to 28 days, not renewable
An Approved Mental Health Professional (AMHP) or nearest relative (NR) makes application on recommendation of 2 doctors
One of the doctors should be approved under Section 12(2) of MHA (usually consultant psychiatrist)

Question 2

What is a section 3?

Answer 2

This is for treatment against will for up to 6 months, can be renewed
AMHP along with 2 doctors that have both seen patient in last 24 hours

Question 3

What is a section 4?

Answer 3

This is for treatment against will for 72 hours, used in an emergency when section 2 would cause delay
Often changed to section 2 upon arrival to hospital
By a GP and AMHP or NR

Question 4

What is a section 5(2)?

Answer 4

Inpatient that and can be legally detained for 72 hours

Question 5

What is a section 5(4)?

Answer 5

Similar to section 5(2), allows a nurse to detain a patient for 6 hours for mental health review who is already an inpatient

Question 6

What is a section 135?

Answer 6

A court order can be obtained to allow police to break into a property to remove a person to a Place of Safety

Question 7

What is a section 136?

Answer 7

Someone found in a public place who appears to have a mental disorder can be taken by the police to Place of Safety
Can only be used for up to 24 hours, whilst MHA assessment is arranged