The Mental Health Act 1983 is the key piece of legislation governing the detention and treatment of psychiatric patients. Part 4 of the act sets out the circumstances as to what treatment can be given to which patient and when. Part 4A performs a similar role with regard to patients being treated in the community.

Getting this right in every case is crucial. Any failures in regards to the legislation can result in complaints being made against the individual members of any clinical or community team, civil action being taken against their employer or, in the worst cases, criminal prosecution.

COURSE OVERVIEW

The key to getting it right every time can be found in Chapters 23 to 26 of the Code of Practice of the Mental Health Act. This one-day course will carry out a detailed examination as to what is meant by appropriate medical treatment, which treatments are subject to special rules and procedures and how to carry out safe and therapeutic responses to behavioural disturbances.

KEY LEARNING OUTCOMES

By the end of the course delegates will be able to:

• Identify which treatment requires patient consent and/or a second opinion.
• Define “urgent treatment” and the legal framework under which it can be administered.
• Detail which treatment does not require consent and the time limit with which such treatment can be given.