About the CPA

Introducing the Care Programme Approach (CPA)

Joint Health And Social Services Circular — HC(90)23/LASSL(90)11

Does anyone have any comments about how they have interpreted the guidance for new CPA in terms of who will be subject to CPA and who won't be? We are looking to give guidance to our clinicians to ensure there is consistency across the Trust for our service users

New guidance - 'Carers and Disabled Children Act 2000 and Carers (Equal Opportunities) Act 2004 Combined Policy Guidance' was published in August.

August 2005

The following definitions relating to CPA are extracted from the latest version of the NHS Data Dictionary. For more information, please visit the NHS Information Authority Website.

Care Programme Approach Episode:
A period of care provided as part of the Care Programme Approach for an adult (including elderly) PATIENT. The CARE PROGRAMME APPROACH EPISODE forms part of a MENTAL HEALTH CARE SPELL.

The first CARE PROGRAMME APPROACH EPISODE starts when the MENTAL HEALTH CARE SPELL initial assessment of the PATIENT determines that a plan of care or treatment is required which will be delivered under the Care Programme Approach.