Mental Health Law for Nurses

Bridgit C. Dimond (Author), F. Barker (Author)

9780632039890, Wiley

Paperback / softback, published 10 January 1996

212 pages
24.1 x 17.4 x 1.5 cm, 0.425 kg

"It is a wonder we have managed so long without such a book. It is easy to imagine Mental Health Law for Nurses becoming a standard text if not the standard text on the subject."

Tony Gillam, Nursing Times, 1996

In the UK, treatment of the mentally ill is governed by two major pieces of legislation: the Mental Health Act (of 1983) and the Code of Practice (S.118), published in 1990 and reviewed periodically by the Secretary of State. Because nurses in any speciality may encounter patients suffering from mental disorder, it is extremely useful that they have an understanding of the legal principles involved. Mental Health Law for Nurses provides such an introduction and practical guide to the law and directives embodied in treatment of persons exhibiting mental disorder. Additionally, for those nurses specialising in direct care of the mentally ill or handicapped, this book provides an easy reference and relevance to their daily practice.

Introduction
The Code of Practice and other guidance
Definitions of mental disorder and medical recommendations for admission
Admission to hospital under Part II of the Act
Admission ot hospital under Part III of the Act: mentally disordered offenders
Provision of information to the patient and nearest relative
The nearest relative
Consent to treatment
Appeals against detention
Leave with consent under section 17
Returning the patient to hospital
Entering premises to take a patient
Police powers of arrest
Transfer of patients
Guardianship
The role of the approved social worker and the social worker
Community care
Rectification of documents
The Mental Health Act Managers
The Mental Health Act Commission
Offences under the Act and staff protection against court action by the patient
Conclusion
Glosssary
Table of Cases
Table of Statutes and Statutory Instruments
Appendices

Subject Areas: Nursing & ancillary services [MQ]