Mental Health Act Code of Practice

Abstract

The revised Code of Practice to the Mental Health Act 1983 (England and Wales) was published on 1 March 1999 (Department of Health & Welsh Office, 1999), and came into force on 1 April 1999. This code of practice replaces the previous one (Department of Health & Welsh Office, 1993) in providing guidance to professionals undertaking duties under the Mental Health Act 1983. The Mental Health Act uses the term ‘patient’ irrespective of age. However, Section 10 (2) of the Act sets out the right of 16– and 17–year-old people to determine their own admission. Section 10 states: