The mental health act

Question 1

What are the 5 criteria for detention under the mental health act?

Answer 1

1. (likely) mental disorder
2. Significantly impaired decision making ability
3. Determining the treatment required
4. Informal/voluntary care is not appropriate
5. A significant risk - to themselves or others

Question 2

What is Section 38?

Answer 2

Emergency detention order

Question 3

How long does an emergency detention order last?

Answer 3

72 hours (to assess the patient)

Question 4

Can a patient be treated under section 38 (emergency detention order)?

Answer 4

Does not authorise treatment

Question 5

What level of doctor can authorise an emergency detention order?

Answer 5

An F2 and above

Question 6

What is section 44?

Answer 6

Short term detention order

Question 7

How long does a short term detention order last?

Answer 7

Up to 28 days for assessment/treatment
Can be extended by 3 days if extra time is needed to put an application together for CTO or by 5 days once a CTO application is submitted

Question 8

What is section 63?

Answer 8

Compulsory Treatment Order (CTO)

Question 9

How long is a CTO in place for?

Answer 9

Initially 6 months and then renewed yearly