Whenever I have a conversation with AMHPs about s135(1) warrants, as I did this week, and mention that it is often misunderstood you may lawfully seek and obtain a warrant under the s135(1) Mental Health Act even though you know at the point of application that you can already secure legal access to the premises, […]

This is a continuation of a previous post >>> Part 1. If you demand total sobriety from some patients – absolutely zero alcohol in someone’s system before MHA assessment – where does this leave those with a dual diagnosis, who are alcohol dependent, and whose health would be put at risk by enforced withdrawal? – […]

The debate about alcohol, mental health and legal assessment under mental health law is interesting.  When attempting to configure proper s136 / s297 / a130 arrangements, alcohol – along with drugs, children, learning disabilities and violence – is one of the five sticking points of discussion. In fact it is usually the biggest sticking point, […]