What now for deprivations of liberty?
What will the effect of the postponement of the Liberty Protections Safeguards be on local authorities? Local Government Lawyer asked 50 adult social care lawyers for their views on the potential consequences.
SPOTLIGHT |
SPOTLIGHT |
The Department of Health has launched a consultation on proposed changes to the Mental Health Act code of practice, saying that in its current form the code has been “inconsistently applied, misunderstood or ignored”.
The Department said: “A revised Code will help provide better patient protection and reflects legal changes and healthcare developments since its last revision in 2008.”
Amongst other things, the consultation – Stronger Code, Better Care – covers:
Care and Support Minister Norman Lamb said: “We’re reviewing the Mental Health Act Code of Practice to make sure health professionals, patients, relatives and carers have clear, up-to-date guidance on what people can expect when they are detained under the Act.
“We’re asking for views on how the Code can best include recent changes in mental health such as improvements to crisis care and work to substantially reduce the use of restraint.”
The DH said a new Code, reference guide and ‘easy read’ version would be published by April 2015.
The consultation, which can be viewed here, runs until 12 September 2014.