Approved Clinician Introductory course – Approval under the MHA 1983
The course is fully accredited with the London S12/AC Approvals Panel as comply with the Training requirements for AC registration. It is nationally recognised and is for doctors and other suitable qualified professionals (psychiatrists, psychologists, social workers, occupational therapists and nurses) who are seeking Approved Clinician status under s12ZA of the Mental Health Act for the first time and require an Introductory course as part of the application process.
What do you need to know about this course?
This course run in two parts. The first part comprises nine e-learning modules which covers vast areas of the Mental Health practice and legislation, whilst at the same time provide a review of developments and emerging issues in the law and practice relating to the role of the s12 and AC in recent years and beyond.
On completion of this e-learning curriculum, you will need to sign up for a live Webinar Q&A session which forms as the second part of this course. You will only be issued with the course attendance certificate once you have completed both parts of the entire course programme.
This course covers:
- Roles & Responsibilities of Approved Clinicians
- Returning to the community and Community Treatment Orders
- Consent to Treatment
- Detention and Liberty
- Appeals/Hearing procedures
- Service user and Carer experience, and Advocates
- Legal Updates
- Administration (ie; Filling forms, rectifiable and non-rectifiable errors)
- Interface with the Criminal Justice System
- Mental Health Law in Specialist areas (ie; CAMHS, LD, Forensic)
- Administrative and practical aspects of being an AC
Please note that completing the course is one part of the approval process and the course certificate should not be used as an evidence of the approval status.
If you would like to know about the eligibility criteria for approval and the requirement for initial and renewal approval process, please contact your Regional Approval Office. You could also contact your regionals approvals panel office if you are unsure of the course that you would need enrol on.
London
South of England
North of England
Midlands and East of England
Please click below for Regional panel contact details:
If you are seeking Section 12 approval status for the first time or to refresh your Section 12(2) status, please contact your regional approvals office at the above address.
If you are seeking renew your Approved Clinician status, please book onto the Approved Clinician refresher course via the same website and click on the refresher course page.
Learning objectives
- By the end of this course, we hope you are able to:
- Outline your knowledge of the role of Approved Clinician (AC) and how it differs from that of a section12 (s12) doctor
- Establish an understanding of the MHA Code of Practice legal guidance relevant to the AC role and responsibilities
- Show a detailed knowledge of commonly used compulsory orders
- Demonstrate an enhanced appreciation of the balance between risk management and a person’s right to self-determination and liberty.
- Apply improved understanding of the interface between the Mental Health Act, Mental Capacity Act 2005 and other relevant legislation, with up to date understanding of current relevant case law.
- Understand the Approved Clinician approval process and the requirements for maintaining approval
- Gain improved understanding of commonly used compulsory orders and a basic understanding of the use of compulsory orders in specialised areas.
Course Booking Information:
Courses are open to candidates from all Mental Health professions and are validated by the London S12/AC Mental Health Act Approvals Panel.
Click below to book on to a Central and North West London NHS FT course
Book on to a CNWL NHS FT Course
Please contact CNWL MHA department at cnwl.mhlawtraining@nhs.net if you have not received your receipt and joining instructions within 2 weeks prior to a Q&A webinar session.
Click below to book on to a North East London NHS FT course
Please contact NELFT Education Department medicaleducation@nelft.nhs.uk or if you have not received your receipt and joining instructions within 2 weeks prior to a Q&A webinar session.
