Text:Tribunal rule 34

Medical examination of the patient

[34.—(1) Before a hearing to consider the disposal of a mental health case, an appropriate member of the Tribunal must, so far as practicable—

(a) examine the patient; and

(b) take such other steps as that member considers necessary to form an opinion of the patient’s mental condition.

(2) For the purposes of paragraph (1) that member may—

(a) examine the patient in private;

(b) examine records relating to the detention or treatment of the patient and any after-care services;

(c) take notes and copies of records for use in connection with the proceedings.

34.—(1) Where paragraph (2) applies, an appropriate member of the Tribunal must, so far as practicable, examine the patient in order to form an opinion of the patient’s mental condition, and may do so in private.

(2) This paragraph applies—

(a) in proceedings under section 66(1)(a) of the Mental Health Act 1983 (application in respect of an admission for assessment), unless the Tribunal is satisfied that the patient does not want such an examination;

(b) in any other case, if the patient or the patient’s representative has informed the Tribunal in writing, not less than 14 days before the hearing, that—

(i) the patient; or

(ii) if the patient lacks the capacity to make such a decision, the patient’s representative,

wishes there to be such an examination; or

(c) if the Tribunal has directed that there be such an examination.]

Amendments

Last checked: 16/11/22