Mental Health Act 1983/2007 Basic Overview of Sections for Paramedics
Section
Purpose
Duration
Up to
Application by
2
Assessment and Treatment
28 days
• Approved Mental Health Practitioner (AMHP), and
• 2 x Doctors (1 of which must be section 12 approved).
• Patient can appeal.
3
Treatment
6
months
• Approved Mental Health Practitioner (AMHP), and
• 2 x Doctors (1 of which must be section 12 approved).
• Patient can appeal. Can be renewed.
4
Emergency Assessment
3 days
• Approved Mental Health Practitioner (AMHP), and
• 1 x Doctor, section 12 approved.
5 (2)
Holding power of doctor, for
further assessment
3 days
• Any Doctor, for any inpatient (this does not include A&E).
5 (4)
Holding power of specialist
nurse, for further assessment
6 hours
• Any prescriber nurse, usually a senior psychiatric nurse, for any
inpatient (this does not include A&E).
135 (1)
Assessment on private
premises or recovery of
AWOL patients
3 hours
• Approved Mental Health Practitioner (AMHP).
135 (2)
Assessment on private
premises or recovery of
AWOL patients
N/A
• Approved Mental Health Practitioner (AMHP).
136
Removal from a public place
1 day
• Police Officer
