Mental Health act

Question 1

Define a mental disorder

Answer 1

Any disorder or disability of the mind excluding alcohol and drug use

Question 2

Name the underlying principles of the mental health act

Answer 2

• respect for patients wishes
• minimising restrictions on liberty
• avoidance of unlawful discrimination
• effectiveness of treatment
• views of carers
• patient wellbeing and safety
• public safety

Question 3

How long is a section 2?

Answer 3

28 days (cannot be renewed)

Question 4

Can a section 2 be renewed?

Answer 4

No

Question 5

What is the purpose of a section 2?

Answer 5

Assessment of the patients condition (but tx can be given without the ptx consent)

Question 6

Who is required for a section 2?

Answer 6

2 doctors (one needs to be S12 approved) and an AMHP

Question 7

What evidence is required for a section 2?

Answer 7

1. The patient is suffering from a mental disorder of a nature or degree that warrants detention in hospital for assessment
2. The patient ought to be detained for his or her own health or safety, or the protection of others

Question 8

How long is a section 3 valid for?

Answer 8

6 months (can be renewed)

Question 9

What is the purpose of a section 3?

Answer 9

Treatment

Question 10

Who is involved in a section 3?

Answer 10

2 doctors (one S12 approved)
1 AMHP

Question 11

What evidence is required for a section 3 to be issued?

Answer 11

1. The patient is suffering from mental disorder of a nature or degree which makes it appropriate for the patient to receive medical treatment in a hospital
2. The treatment is in the interests of his or her health and safety and the protection of others
3. Appropriate treatment must be available for the patient

Question 12

What is a section 4?

Answer 12

Emergency order

Question 13

How long is a section 4 valid for?

Answer 13

72 hours (not renewable)

Question 14

Who can issue a section 4?

Answer 14

1 doctor and 1 AMHP

Question 15

What evidence is required for a section 4?

Answer 15

1. The patient is suffering from a mental disorder of a nature or degree that warrants detention in hospital for assessment
2. The patient ought to be detained for his or her own health or safety, or the protection of others
3. There is not enough time for 2nd doctor to attend (risk)

Question 16

What is a section 5(4)?

Answer 16

For a patient that is already admitted to a psychiatric or general hospital for a nurse to allow temporary holding until a doctor arrives

Question 17

How long does a section 5(4) last?

Answer 17

6 hours

Question 18

Who issues a section 5(4)?

Answer 18

Nurse

Question 19

What is special about a 5(2) and 5(4)?

Answer 19

Cannot be treated coercively

Question 20

What is a section 5(2)?

Answer 20

For a patient ALREADY admitted (can be psych or general hospital) but wanting to leave. Allows a doctor to have holding power until there is time for a section 2/3

• 72 hours

Question 21

Who can issue a section 5(2)?

Answer 21

Doctor (does not have to be s12 trained)

Question 22

What is a section 135

Answer 22

police order that requires going to court to access a patients home and remove them for their safety

Question 23

What is a section 136

Answer 23

A police section that allows police to take the patient to a place of safety.

• 24 hours