Mental Health Bill [HL] — Report (1st Day) — Amendment 11 — 31 Mar 2025 at 18:00

Moved by Lord Scriven

11: Clause 6, page 12, line 40, at end insert-“(2A) In section 17B (conditions) after subsection (7) insert-“(8) The responsible clinician must ensure that community treatment orders align with the code of practice as set out in section 118(2B).(9) A community treatment order shall have a maximum duration of 12 months, subject to the following provisions- (a) the responsible clinician may extend the duration of a community treatment order beyond 12 months only after- (i) consulting the patient, the patient’s nominated persons, and any relevant mental health care professional involved in the patient’s treatment or care planning;(ii) undertaking a review process to evaluate the ongoing necessity and therapeutic benefit of the community treatment order;(iii) consulting a General Medical Council registered psychiatrist regarding the conditions of the community treatment order and obtaining their written agreement that an extension is necessary and in accordance with the principles set out in section 118(2B);(b) community treatment orders with a duration of less than 12 months are not subject to the review process set out in subsection (9)(a)(ii);(c) a tribunal may recommend that the responsible clinician consider whether to extend, vary, or terminate the duration and conditions of a community treatment order.(10) Where a community treatment order is extended beyond a period of 12 months, the order shall be subject to review at intervals not exceeding six months, in accordance with the procedure set out in subsection 9(a).(11) At the conclusion of the default period or any extended period, the responsible clinician must undertake a review to assess the effectiveness of the community treatment order in aligning with the code of practice stipulated in section 118(2B).””Member’s explanatory statementThis amendment ensures that community treatment orders align with the code of practice, limits their default duration to 12 months, requires a structured review process for extensions, mandates six-monthly reviews for extended orders, and reinforces patient consultation and oversight by mental health professionals.

Ayes 272, Noes 157.

Debate in Parliament |