Psychiatric nurses must understand and act within their legal duties towards all of their patients, including those detained under the Mental Health Act 1983.

The laws, codes of practice and guidelines outlining these duties are often complex, confusing and, seemingly, impractical in day-to-day situations where nursing professionals need clarity and to be certain that they and others are acting lawfully.

COURSE OVERVIEW

This highly interactive 1-day course will examine the key sections of the Mental Health Act 1983, the Code of Practice to the Mental Health Act and the Guiding Principles. Through the use of interactive case studies we will consider how nurses can most effectively deliver care, support and treatment, legally, ethically, purposefully, efficiently and effectively.

KEY LEARNING POINTS

By the end of this course delegates will:

• Understand the importance of adhering to the Codes of Practice.
• Be able to relate every-day situations and patient wishes and need to the Guiding Principles to the Mental Health Act.
• Have a working knowledge of how and when to employ the provisions of the Mental Capacity Act.
• Be able to understand the limitations on sharing information with the patient’s Nearest Relative, other family members, friends and legal representatives.
• Have a full awareness of the importance of effectively communicating information to the patient.

Please be aware, we will try to tailor this course to the delegates’ expertise. To this end, we will endeavour to place you on a session with others with your level of experience.