Revised Code of Practice: Mental Health Act 1983

The final versions of the revised Code of Practice to the Mental Health Act 1983 as amended by the Mental Health Act 2007 and the associated secondary legislation have now been published. You can find more information on this and current developments on the Act at the Department of Health Website.
Please note that it may take a little time for the secondary legislation to appear on the OPSI website.

Also on the website are:
Guidance on the transitional arrangements for ACUS patients; a summary of the changes to the Hospital Guardianship and Treatment regulations; a summary of changes in the revised Code; and the report of the consultation exercises.

The Code and secondary legislation will come into force on Monday 3 November this year, which is when the majority of the main changes by made the Mental Health Act 2007 to the Mental Health Act 1983 will also come into effect.

The revised Code is only available electronically at present. Parliament now has 40 days during which it can vote against the Code. Unless that happens, The Stationery Office will publish a hard copy of the Code for purchase once that period has passed.