compulsory admission


compulsory admission

A mandated admission of a patient in the UK to hospital after a formal mental health assessment under the UK’s Mental Health Act 1983, 2007, which is carried out by an Approved Mental Health Worker (formerly by an Approved Social Worker) in conjunction with a Section 12(2)-approved doctor and a consultant psychiatrist. Under the Act, the person must have a mental disorder or disability of mind (alcohol or drug addiction alone are insufficient to detain a person under the Act), require hospital detention for assessment or treatment, and the detention must be necessary in the interests of the patient's health or safety, or with a view to the protection of others.
Compulsory admissions under Mental Health Act
Section 2: Admission for assessment—for up to 28 days; not renewable.
Section 3: Admission for treatment—for up to 6 months, renewable for another 6 months.
Section 4: Admission for emergency treatment—for up to 72 hours.