Abstract

KIE: Presented here are sections of England's and Wales' Mental Health Act 1983 that relate to the compulsory admission to a hospital of patients suffering from a mental disorder, together with a diagrammatic representation of how they should be used in decision making. These excerpts address the definition of mental disorder; the purpose and duration of detention; the grounds for admission; who may make the application; and which health professionals are required to make the medical recommendation. The Mental Health Act provides no authority for third party consent to treatment of patients without mental disorder who refuse treatment or for treatment of medical conditions unless the condition is causing mental disorder.