Stronger Code: Better Care Implementing the Changes to the Mental Health Act Code of Practice

A revised code of practice for the Mental Health Act 1983 was published on the 15th January 2015 and provides guidance for professionals. The code shows professionals how to carry out their roles and responsibilities under the Mental Health Act 1983, to ensure that all patients receive high quality and safe care. There have been significant changes in legislation, case law, policy and professional practice since the last code was published in 2008.

The revised code aims to provide stronger protection for patients and clarify roles, rights and responsibilities. This includes:
involving the patient and, where appropriate, their families and carers in discussions about the patient’s care at every stage
providing personalised care
minimising the use of inappropriate blanket restrictions, restrictive interventions and the use of police cells as places of safety.

The main changes to the code include:

5 new guiding principles
new chapters on care planning, human rights, equality and health inequalities consideration of when to use the Mental Health Act and when to use the Mental Capacity Act 2005 and Deprivation of Liberty Safeguards and information to support victims
new sections on physical health care, blanket restrictions, duties to support patients with dementia and immigration detainees
significantly updated chapters on the appropriate use of restrictive interventions, particularly seclusion and long-term segregation, police powers and places of safety further guidance on how to support children and young people, those with a learning disability or autism.

The new code will come into force on 1 April 2015, subject to Parliamentary approval. This conference focuses on implementing the changes to the Mental Health Act Code of Practice following therevised code of practice. A new Code will come into force on 1 April 2015. The Code informs health practitioners’ decisions, protects patients’ rights and ensures that the Mental Health Act is followed. The Code tells families, carers and people who are detained, treated or released under the Act about care and support available during a crisis. It also covers what to do if it isn’t received. The draft Code includes new chapters on the Care Programme Approach, equality, human rights and parity of esteem, mental capacity and deprivation of liberty and victims.

The conference will reflect the five new guiding principles as set out in the draft Code focusing on an individual patient’s recovery, better reflect the current and future health and care system, and which clarify the roles of all professionals in ensuring high quality and safe care for individuals subject to the Act.