This accessible and practical guide de-mystifies the Mental Health Tribunal for health and social care professionals. Written by a mental health lawyer and a MHT Panel member, it offers essential explanations of all stages of the MHT proceedings, from initial application to the final decision. The book also provides answers to frequently asked questions and provides top tips to help guide through the whole process.

This publication highlights key issues and principles to be considered in the drafting, adoption and implementation of mental health legislation and best practice in mental health services. It contains examples of diverse experiences and practices, as well as extracts of laws and other legal documents from a range of different countries, and a checklist of key policy components. Three main elements of effective mental health legislation are identified, relating to context, content and process.

"This practical book provides all professionals, particularly legal representatives, with an accessible and up-to-date guide to Mental Health Tribunals, including: a concise overview of the human rights and policy background, analysis of the legal definition of mental disorder and use of compulsory powers, a clear statement of the tribunal powers applicable to offender and non-offender patients, unrestricted patients and community patients, a chronological account of the procedure and operation of the tribunals, an outline of the typical procedural steps for a patient's representative, review of the public funding position. Uniquely, the authors explain where the law, rules and procedures differ between England and Wales and the rules for each tribunal are conveniently set out in comprehensive appendix materials. This book will be invaluable to those seeking accreditation of re-accreditation under the Law Society's Mental Health Accreditation Scheme"--P. [4] of cover.

Tribunal Practice and Procedure is the only book that covers the structure, proceedings and law governing the integrated tribunal system created by the Tribunals, Courts and Enforcement Act 2007. As well as dealing with the rules of procedure, this book contains practical advice for tribunal members and those who appear before them.

This Code of Practice is a reference tool for those dealing with, and caring for people admitted to hospital and care homes with mental health problems. Authored by the Department of Health and produced following wide consultation with those who provide and receive services under the Mental Health Act, this publication will come into force on 3 November 2008. Through the Mental Health Act 2007, the Government has updated the 1983 Act to ensure it keeps pace with the changes in the way that mental health services are - and need to be - delivered. This publication provides guidance and advice to registered medical practitioners, approved clinicians, managers and staff of hospitals, and approved mental health professionals on how they should proceed when undertaking duties under the Act. It also gives guidance to doctors and other professionals about certain aspects of medical treatment for mental disorder more generally. The Mental Health Act Code of Practice is also aimed at all of those working in primary care, Mental Health Trusts, NHS Foundation Trusts as well as solicitors and attorneys who advise on mental health law. The Code should also be beneficial to the police and ambulance services and others in health and social services (including the independent and voluntary sectors) involved in providing services to people who are, or may become, subject to compulsory measures under the Act. It will also be a guide for those working with people with specific mental health needs such as those in nursing and care homes, and those in prison.