Mental Health Law for Nurses

This text presents the impact of mental health law on nurses. Topics covered include: the code of practice and other guidance; definitions, medical recommendations and implications; admission to hospital; mentally disordered offenders; and information provision to patient and nearest relative. Treatment of the mentally ill in the UK is governed by the Mental Health Act (1983) and the Code of Pracitce (S.118) published in 1990 and reviewed periodically by the Secretary of State. Nurses in any speciality may encounter patients suffering from mental disorder and therefore need to have an understanding of the legal principles involved. Mental Health Law for Nurses provides an introduction and practical guide to the law and directives embodied in these. Nurses specialising in the care of the mentally ill or handicapped will find this a book for easy reference and directly relevant to their everyday practice. In the UK, treatment of the mentally ill is governed by two major pieces of legislation: the Mental Health Act (of 1983) and the Code of Practice (S.118), published in 1990 and reviewed periodically by the Secretary of State. Because nurses in any speciality may encounter patients suffering from mental disorder, it is extremely useful that they have an understanding of the legal principles involved. Mental Health Law for Nurses provides such an introduction and practical guide to the law and directives embodied in treatment of persons exhibiting mental disorder. Additionally, for those nurses specialising in direct care of the mentally ill or handicapped, this book provides an easy reference and relevance to their daily practice.