Which HCPs must be involved in the MHA assessment?
Two doctors and one AMHP (approved mental health professional)
What is the Mental Health Act?
The Mental Health Act 1983 applies if you have a mental health problem (e.g. depression, bipolar). It sets out your rights if you’re sectioned under this Act.
What is the role of the two doctors in the MHA? What must/should they be?
One MUST be Section 12 approved
One SHOULD have prior knowledge of the patient
What is ‘Section 12 approved’?
Section 12 approved doctors are those approved by the Secretary of State under section 12(2) Mental Health Act 1983 (MHA), where they are described ‘as having special experience in the diagnosis or treatment of mental disorder’.
What is the role of the AMHP in the MHA?
What is the 3 criteria for detention under the MHA?
Is a diagnosis of a learning disability sufficient for detention under the MHA in its own right?
NO
Their presentation must be associated with abnormally aggressive or seriously irresponsible conduct
Nearest relative vs next of kin?
Your next of kin can be anyone you want. This would usually be a relative or close friend. You can’t choose your nearest relative.
Do ‘nearest relative’ or ‘next of kin’ have legal rights under the MHA?
Nearest relative
Most of these rights can only be used if you are detained in hospital under the Mental Health Act.
What are the legal rights of a nearest relative under the MHA?
Your nearest relative can ask for a Mental Health Act assessment (this will decide if you should be detained in hospital).
Your nearest relative can apply to discharge you from the Mental Health Act.
The nearest relative does NOT have the right to be told everything about you. This could include information about what treatment you are having.
What is an AMHP?
An AMHP is a mental health professional who is trained to use the Mental Health Act.
Give the top 8 ‘nearest relatives’
If there are 2 people who could be the nearest relative, who is it?
The eldest
Under the MHA, what 3 things can you treat?
What section of the MHA covers admission for ASSESSMENT?
Section 2
A brief overview of section 2 of the MHA:
You can be detained under section 2 if:
How long can you be detained under section 2 MHA?
Up to 28 days.
The section can’t normally be extended or renewed. But you may be assessed before the end of the 28 days to see if sectioning under section 3 is needed.
What section of the MHA covers admission for TREATMENT?
Section 3
Brief overview of section 3 MHA:
You cannot be sectioned under this section unless the doctors also agree that appropriate treatment is available for you
How long can you be detained under section 3 MHA?
Up to 6 months.
The section can be renewed or extended by your responsible clinician.
Who must be involved in detaining under section 2 MHA?
2 doctors + 1 AMHP
Who must be involved in detaining under section 3 MHA?
2 doctors + 1 AMHP
Is there a right to appeal being detained under section 2 MHA?
Yes - within first 14 days
Is there a right to appeal being detained under section 3 MHA?
Yes - twice in first 6 months then annually