Section 130D: Duty to give information about independent mental health advocates, Mental Health Act 1983

The responsible person in relation to a qualifying patient (within the meaning given by section 130C above) shall take such steps as are practicable to ensure that the patient understands—

that help is available to him from an independent mental health advocate; and

how he can obtain that help.

In subsection (1) above, " the responsible person " means—

in relation to a qualifying patient falling within section 130C(2)(a) above (other than one also falling within paragraph (b) below), the managers of the hospital or registered establishment in which he is liable to be detained;

in relation to a qualifying patient falling within section 130C(2)(a) above and conditionally discharged by virtue of section 42(2), 73 or 74 above, the responsible clinician;

in relation to a qualifying patient falling within section 130C(2)(b) above, the responsible local social services authority within the meaning of section 34(3) above;

in relation to a qualifying patient falling within section 130C(2)(c) above, the managers of the responsible hospital;

in relation to a qualifying patient falling within section 130C(3) above, the registered medical practitioner or approved clinician with whom the patient first discusses the possibility of being given the treatment concerned.

The steps to be taken under subsection (1) above shall be taken—

where the responsible person falls within subsection (2)(a) above, as soon as practicable after the patient becomes liable to be detained;

where the responsible person falls within subsection (2)(b) above, as soon as practicable after the conditional discharge;

where the responsible person falls within subsection (2)(c) above, as soon as practicable after the patient becomes subject to guardianship;

where the responsible person falls within subsection (2)(d) above, as soon as practicable after the patient becomes a community patient;

where the responsible person falls within subsection (2)(e) above, while the discussion with the patient is taking place or as soon as practicable thereafter.

The steps to be taken under subsection (1) above shall include giving the requisite information both orally and in writing.

The responsible person in relation to a qualifying patient falling within section 130C(2) above (other than a patient liable to be detained by virtue of Part 3 of this Act) shall, except where the patient otherwise requests, take such steps as are practicable to furnish the person (if any) appearing to the responsible person to be the patient's nearest relative with a copy of any information given to the patient in writing under subsection (1) above.

The steps to be taken under subsection (5) above shall be taken when the information concerned is given to the patient or within a reasonable time thereafter.

Section 130D: Duty to give information about independent mental health advocates

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