Study information

Mental Health Law: Underpinning Knowledge and Context

Module titleMental Health Law: Underpinning Knowledge and Context
Module codePYCM130
Academic year2023/4
Credits30
Module staff

Dr Catherine Gallop (Convenor)

Duration: Term123
Duration: Weeks

7

13

0

Number students taking module (anticipated)

23

Module description

Are you looking to develop the competencies that are required to become an Approved Clinician for the purposes of the Mental Health Act 1983? Do you want to enhance your ability to manage challenges that you face within a mental health context as a psychologist, nurse, occupational therapist or social worker? This module will be particularly useful if you are considering applying for Approved Clinician status and need to develop the relevant knowledge and competencies of that role.

Towards the beginning of this module you will be asked to develop your learning needs plan with your service based supervisor, mentor and University tutor to identify where your current levels of knowledge and skills are and those needed to develop further.

You will be required to attend 7 days workshops of content relevant to the Approved Clinician competencies and designed to prepare practitioners to apply for approval to become an Approved Clinician. As such they will cover, for example: the legal context and overall legal framework relating to the Approved Clinician role; assessment in the context of the Approved Clinician  role; clinical leadership, report writing and communication; equality and diversity; and preparation of the Approved Clinician portfolio.

Module aims - intentions of the module

The programme will provide unpinning knowledge and support skill development in relation to the multi-disciplinary Approved Clinician framework and competencies:

  • Comprehensive understanding of the AC role, legal responsibilities and key functions of the AC and RC role
  • Applied knowledge of legal and policy framework/codes of practice/ NICE guidelines
  • Assessment
  • Treatment
  • Care Planning
  • Clinical Leadership & MDT working
  • Equality and Diversity
  • Communication

This module will allow you to develop a critical understanding of mental health law and the role of the Approved Clinician. You will be able to provide a written explanation and assessment of your current knowledge and skills and be able to explain how such knowledge and skills are important in the context of your employment and any future Approved Clinician role you may choose to seek approval for. You will be able to provide evidence of your critical reflection both upon your pre-existing knowledge and areas for further development and upon the learning activities undertaken during the module.

Intended Learning Outcomes (ILOs)

ILO: Module-specific skills

On successfully completing the module you will be able to...

  • 1. Demonstrate a comprehensive understanding of the role, legal responsibilities and key function of an Approved Clinician and Responsible Clinician
  • 2. Demonstrate an applied knowledge of mental health legislations, related codes of practice and national and local policy and guidance in relation to the trainee MPAC role
  • 3. Ability to explain and reflect upon ethical, legal and commercial issues which may arise in mental health context in relation to the trainee MPAC role
  • 4. Ability to analyse complex situations and problems in mental health field with specific reference to the Trainee MPAC role
  • 5. Ability to use supervision and personal reflection as a means to improve your personal effectiveness as demonstrated in the reflective assessments in relation to the Trainee MPAC role

ILO: Discipline-specific skills

On successfully completing the module you will be able to...

  • 6. Demonstrate skills of scientific writing and presenting results
  • 7. Review and critically evaluate empirical evidence, published work as well as your own work, using a range of defined techniques
  • 8. Ability to analyse complex situations and problems in mental health field and the ability to reflect on your own knowledge and practice and your current and future role within the workplace

ILO: Personal and key skills

On successfully completing the module you will be able to...

  • 9. Think critically, creatively and independently
  • 10. Identify and solve complex problems demonstrating confidence and flexibility
  • 11. Use electronic information retrieval and management tools proficiently and access information from a variety of sources
  • 12. Work effectively on your own and as part of a team/group
  • 13. Manage your own learning (autonomy, time management, self-teaching, self-reflection, seeking and using feedback, personal responsibility, self-criticism)
  • 14. Ability to make effective use of feedback in order to enhance your existing knowledge and skills and to make appropriate recommendations for improved workplace practice

Syllabus plan

7 days of theoretical teaching, skills practice in intensive workshops covering:

  • Course University Induction
  • Introductions and becoming an AC
  • Overall legal framework
  • Key statutory terms and personnel
  • Holding powers and RC power of discharge
  • Renewal of civil sections, Extension of CTOs, S17 Leave of Absence, ‘longer term’ leave
  • Community Treatment Orders
  • Report writing and Communication (I)
  • Report writing and Communication (II)
  • Equality and Diversity (I)
  • Equality and Diversity (II)

Learning activities and teaching methods (given in hours of study time)

Scheduled Learning and Teaching ActivitiesGuided independent studyPlacement / study abroad
60120120

Details of learning activities and teaching methods

CategoryHours of study timeDescription
Scheduled learning and teaching60Lecturer, seminars and practical classes – these will be led by the tutor and address a range of important topics covered in the module and to develop clinical competencies
Guided independent study100Reading and preparation for seminars
Guided independent study20Undertaking structured reflective accounts of approved clinical practice with colleagues during workplace role- play or service user work
Placement120Programme members will be employed by their trusts as trainee MPACs where they will work 3 - 5 days a week over the year

Formative assessment

Form of assessmentSize of the assessment (eg length / duration)ILOs assessedFeedback method
• Learning needs plan/proposal and discussion in tutorial • Learning proposal to reflect upon existing knowledge and experience, and the organisational, personal and professional needs • To identify learning objectives and be able to discuss those learning objectives with your tutor1500 words 1-14Verbal feedback

Summative assessment (% of credit)

CourseworkWritten examsPractical exams
10000

Details of summative assessment

Form of assessment% of creditSize of the assessment (eg length / duration)ILOs assessedFeedback method
Training reflective log: A record and evidence of CPD activities undertaken including evidence of attendance and information gathered. To include a reflective commentary evaluating the learning activities undertaken and how the knowledge and skills developed on the module have been used in the workplace and for personal and professional development. Your reflective log should also include a copy of your own learning proposal, if you have prepared one703000 words1-14Oral and written
Essay – an outline of the role of the AC/RC and its responsibilities. Students should show their understanding of the role and what is required of the RC and the AC. Students should be able to discuss incidents when they have carried out these responsibilities under supervision302000 words1-14Written

Details of re-assessment (where required by referral or deferral)

Original form of assessmentForm of re-assessmentILOs re-assessedTimescale for re-assessment
Training reflective log (3000 words)Training reflective log (3000 words) (70%)1-144 weeks
Essay – outline of the role of the AC/RC and its responsibilitiesEssay (2000) (30%)1-144 weeks

Re-assessment notes

Two assessments are required for this module. In all cases re-assessment will be the same as the original assessment. Where you have been referred/deferred for any form of assessment detailed above you will have the opportunity to retake within four weeks from the date that feedback was provided.

If you pass re-assessments taken as a result of deferral, your re-assessment will be treated as it would be if it were your first attempt at the assessment and the overall module mark will not be capped.

If you pass re-assessments taken as a result of referral (i.e. following initial failure in the assessment), the overall module mark will be capped at 50%.

If you fail re-assessments taken as a result of referral (i.e. following initial failure in the assessment), you will be failed in the module.

Indicative learning resources - Basic reading

Essential reading:

1. Mental Health Act (MHA) 2007 New Roles Guidance produced by the National Institute for Mental Health England (NIMHE):

  • Annex E (1) of this document, produced by the National Advisory Group for Approved Clinician Training (NAGACT), provides a guide to becoming an AC
  • Annex E (2), also produced by NAGACT, provides guidance on specific required competencies, their attainment and sources of evidence
  • Mental Health Act 1983 - Instructions with respect to the Exercise of an Approval Function in Relation to Approved Clinicians 2015 (came into force on 5th January 2016). These Instructions supersede elements of the New Roles Guidance
  • Mental Health Act 2007 – New Roles (PDF)

2. Mental Health Act 1983 - Instructions re. approved clinicians 2015:

  • Revised Mental Health Act 1983: Code of Practice (published in 2015) (PDF)
  • (Applicants should consider buying or downloading a copy for reference. 2. Mental Health Act 2007)

3. Practice Direction: First-tier Tribunal Health Education and Social Care Chamber: Statements and Reports in Mental Health Cases

4. Mental Capacity Act (MCA)

5. MCA 2005 and the Deprivation of Liberty Safeguards (DOLS):

6. If it is anticipated that you will be fulfilling AC/RC duties in relation to children and young people, familiarity with the Children Acts should be regarded as mandatory rather than recommended, and particular focus should also be given to chapter 19 of the Code of Practice (children and young people under the age of 18). Children Act:

  • If your AC/RC responsibilities are in regard to other specific groups such as Older Adults and Learning Disabilities, then you should be particularly familiar with the Mental Capacity Act and relevant policies and guidance, as well as relevant NICE guidance. Mental Capacity Act (MCA)

7. Psychologists considering preparation for approval are encouraged to consult the British Psychological Society Guidance for Registered Psychologists in Making Applications to the British Psychological Society Approved Clinician Peer Review Panel (September, 2016): 

Additional recommended reading:

8. Safeguarding vulnerable adults and children References:

  • Read your own Trust’s and local social services policy document on safeguarding vulnerable adults and children
  • And the Children Act 1989

9. Local, national, and international guidelines pertinent to your role. For example National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE) treatment guidelines, CPA policy, safeguarding and risk assessment documentation etc

10. Role of the CQC including role of SOAD. Visit the CQC website. 11. Care Act 2014

Indicative learning resources - Web based and electronic resources

None

Indicative learning resources - Other resources

None

Key words search

Approved Clinician, Responsible Clinician, Mental Health Act

 

Credit value30
Module ECTS

15

Module pre-requisites

None

Module co-requisites

None

NQF level (module)

7

Available as distance learning?

No

Origin date

17/03/2022

Last revision date

11/01/2023