CM07 Mental Health (Compulsory Assessment and Treatment) Act 1992 Flashcards
What is the definition of mental disorder?
An abnormal state of mind, characterised by delusions, or disorders of mood, cognition, perception or volition to such a degree that it
poses a serious danger to the health and safety of that person or of others OR seriously diminishes the capacity of that person to take care of themselves.
What are the two types of mental disorder types?
Continuous - without interruption
Intermittent - occurring at regular intervals
What are the two type of mental disorder patients?
Restricted patients and special patients.
What is a restricted patient?
Patients subjected to a compulsory treatment order but are considered a threat to the public.
What is a special patient?
Patients who are detained by way of a court order if they are found to be criminally insane or unfit to plead. Nothing can be done for them.
Who is not considered mentally disordered?
drug or alcohol addict A person based on their views and beliefs Intellectual disabilities Sexuality Criminal behviour
What is section 109 of the Mental Health Act and what does it allow an officer to do?
Police powers in a public places.
Can detain a person you think is mentally disordered in a public place and take them to an appropriate place to be assessed by examination.
What is the max length of time you can detain someone for assessment using section 109?
6 hours.
What does section 110C of the Mental Health Act 1992 cover and what does it allow Police to do?
Assisting a medical practitioner
When a medical practitioner has examined a person and believes that a person is mentally disordered and requires an assessment, the doctor can issue a certificate for
medical examination
Administer a sedative drug
assessment examination
Allows police to enter a place, detain the person for up to 6 hours until an assessment has been completed and take that person to a place to be assessed.
What are the two types of Compulsory treatment order patients?
In-patient - stays in a psychiatric unit for treatment
Out-patient - lives at home but attends a psychiatric unit for treatment
What is the assessment process from start to finish
A person displaying signs of mental illness is noticed
A DAO is informed and an application for assessment is completed
The person is examined by a medical practitioner
The medical practitioner certifies that person mentally ill
Person examined by a psychiatrist and if deemed to be in need of treatment becomes
in-patient or out-patient
What is a DAO and what do they do?
Duly Authorised Officers who are qualified nurses who specialize in mental health.
If a restricted or special patient goes AWOL when can they be returned to the hospital?
Any time, as they are a threat to the public.
If a compulsory treatment order patient who is not deemed dangerous goes AWOL, when can you return them to the hospital?
Within 3 months of going AWOL, any longer than that they are deemed to be released and a new application for assessment must be carried out.
What does Section 41 of the Mental Health Act 1992 refer to and what powers do Police have?
Assisting a Duly Authorised Officer
A DAO may call upon the Police to assist so they may assess a patient or transport a patient for assessment and treatment.
Can enter the premise by force and detain the person for up to 6 hours until an assessment has been completed.
