The Mental Health Act

Question 1

Section 2 of the mental health act?

Answer 1

Purpose: Allows for assessment.
Duration: 28 days - no possibility for renewal.
Involved: AMHP and 2 doctors with one being section 12 approved.
Treatment can be given without consent

Question 2

Section 3 of the mental health act?

Answer 2

Purpose: Treatment.
Duration: 6 months, can be extended by a further 6 months and if needs extended again then can be for 12 months.
Involved: AMHP and 2 doctors (one being section 12 approved). Must have specific diagnosis and treatment plan. Independent doctor must review at 3 months.
ECT only given if patient is incapacitated.

Question 3

Section 4 of the mental health act?

Answer 3

Purpose: Emergency order linked to 2+3.
Involved: AMHP and 1 doctor

Question 4

Holding powers?

Answer 4

Involves patients who initially consented to admission and then change their mind.
Section 5(2) gives holding power for doctors for 72hrs.
Section 5(4) gives holding power for nurses for up to 6 hours or patient is assessed by a doctor
Section 135 - Allows police entrance to residence to transport patient to safety.