精神卫生法

Sectioning — Compulsory admission under sections 2 (assessment, up to 28 days), 3 (treatment, up to 6 months), and 4 (emergency, 72 hours).

Nearest Relative — The patient's nearest relative has specific powers including the right to discharge and to be consulted before certain detentions.

Mental Health Tribunals — Independent panels that review detention and can order discharge; patients have the right to apply.

Community Treatment Orders (CTOs) — Allow supervised treatment in the community for patients who have been detained, with conditions attached.

Capacity and Consent — The Mental Capacity Act 2005 governs decisions for those who lack capacity; best interests principle applies.

Deprivation of Liberty Safeguards (DoLS) — Authorisation required for depriving liberty of incapacitated persons in hospitals or care homes.

Independent Mental Health Advocates (IMHAs) — Statutory advocacy service for detained patients.

Approved Mental Health Professionals (AMHPs) — Specially trained professionals who coordinate assessments and applications for admission.