Section 12 Mental Health

For purposes of admission to an inpatient facility under section 12 mental illness means a substantial disorder of thought mood perception orientation or memory which grossly impairs judgment behavior capacity to recognize reality or ability to meet the ordinary demands of life.

Section 12 mental health. This is one of the most life altering powers a doctor can hold. Emergency restraint and hospitalization of persons posing risk of serious harm by reason of mental illness. Either approved under section 12 of the mental health act 1983 or be registered medical practitioners with at least three years post registration experience in the diagnosis or treatment of mental disorder such as gps with a special interest.

A any physician who is licensed pursuant to section 2 of chapter 112 or qualified psychiatric nurse mental health clinical specialist authorized to practice as such under regulations promulgated pursuant to the provisions of section 80b of said chapter 112 or a qualified psychologist licensed pursuant to sections 118 to 129 inclusive of said chapter 112 or. Please note that for the first form listed below massachusetts general laws chapter 123 section 12 a provides that an application for temporary involuntary hospitalization aa 5 form side 1 can only be completed and signed by a massachusetts licensed physician licensed psychologist licensed and certified psychiatric nurse mental health clinical specialist licensed independent clinical social worker or police officer. You receive comprehensive 24 7 wrap around mental health services while living in a group home or transitional housing while participating in a semi independent living program or while living in individual housing for example your own home or apartment.

52 they must be medical doctors experienced in mental health. There are changes that may be brought into force at a future date. As of november 8 2010 licsws in the commonwealth of massachusetts will be authorized to sign a section 12 a known as a pink paper a pink paper is the mechanism by which a licsw moves to hospitalize an individual believed to meet the criteria for civil commitment.

Section 12 a allows for an individual to be brought against his or her will to such a hospital for evaluation. Approval under section 12 of the mental health act confers the ability to deprive individuals of their liberty and curtail their human rights. A person who is an approved mental health professional amhp a registered medical practitioner usually a doctor who knows you such as your gp a section 12 approved doctor usually a psychiatrist when they arrive the amhp should explain who they are and why you are being assessed.

Mental health act 1983 section 12 is up to date with all changes known to be in force on or before 27 september 2020.