Mental Health Act 1992 Flashcards
What is the definition of “mental disorder”?
In relation to any person, means an abnormal state of mind (whether of continuous or intermittent nature)
characterised by delusions, or by disorders of mood, perception, volition or cognition of such degree that it:
- Poses a serious danger to the health or safety of that person or of others or,
- Seriously diminishes the capacity of that person to take care of himself or herself.
What are your powers for dealing with patients absent without leave (compulsory treatment orders)?
Restricted or special patients may be apprehended and RETURNED TO HOSIPTAL AT ANY TIME.
Compulsory Treatment Patients:
May be apprehended and returned/taken to hospital if apprehended within three months of going missing.
What are your powers in relation to mentally disordered people in public places (S109)?
Any member of police may APPREHEND
Any person wandering at large in a PUBLIC PLACE
Behaving in a manner that gives rise to a REASONABLE BELIEF that he/she may be mentally disordered
The member believes it is the interest of the person or public to do so.
What are your powers in relation to assisting medical practitioners (section 110C)?
Power of entry when urgent assistance is needed.
What is positional asphyxia and what procedures would you follow to prevent it?
PA occurs when a person’s bodily position results in partial or complete airway obstruction (they can’t breathe properly)
- Make sure their nose and mouth aren’t covered.
- Their respiratory passages aren’t blocked by neck compressions and/or restriction of the chest or abdomen.
- Do not transport patients in the prone position.
What is the police role in assisting a DAO under section 41 of the Act?
Any member of the Police called upon in such circumstances may
Enter the premises by force if necessary
Detain the person in those premises until the assessment examination has been conducted
Take the person to some other place nominated by the DAO for the purpose an examination and detain them there until is has been conducted.
What is the time limit for detention (for medical examination)?
Six hours.
What does GI M908 say in relation to police powers to use force?
Do not use force to transport a patient without ensuring that an assessment notice has been served on and explained to them.
Force can only be used in circumstances where it is likely the patient will be a danger to themselves or others, or will be likely to cause serious property damage.
What does the MOU between police and the Ministry of Health say in relation to the transportation of mentally disordered people?
The type of vehicle to be used should be made by the DAO or Doctor in consultation with the attending police.
Where police have been called to assist a DAO or Doctor, the DAO or a suitable health professional will at all times physically accompany and monitor the patient.
What is a restricted patient?
Patients who are subject to a compulsory treatment order but are considered to present danger to the public.
What is a special patient?
Patients who are detained by way of court order if found to be criminally insane or unfit to plead.
Includes people on remand for a psychiatric report.
What is a DAO?
Duly Authorised Officer.
Qualified nurses who have specialised in the area of mental health and then received further training on an ongoing basis.
What is the police role in assisting a Medical Practitioner under section 110 of the Act?
Any member of the Police called upon in such circumstances may
Enter the premises by force if necessary
Detain the person in those premises until the assessment examination has been conducted
Take the person to some other place nominated by the Medical Practitioner for the purpose an examination and detain them there until is has been conducted.
