(1)The relevant mental health service provider for a relevant patient must appoint an individual as care coordinator for the patient to perform in relation to the patient the functions conferred on care coordinators by and under this Part.
(2)The duty under subsection (1) is to be performed as soon as is reasonably practicable after–
(a)an individual becomes a relevant patient; or
(b)in a case where an individual permanently ceases to be appointed as a relevant patient’s care coordinator, that permanent cessation.
(3)Where the relevant mental health service provider considers that a patient’s care coordinator is for whatever reason temporarily unable to act as such, the provider may appoint an individual to be the patient’s temporary care coordinator to perform in relation to the patient the functions referred to in subsection (1).
(4)A temporary appointment under subsection (3) ceases when the relevant mental health service provider considers that the individual previously appointed as care coordinator has regained the ability to act as such, in which case that individual’s appointment shall revive.
(5)Arrangements may be made between two Local Health Boards for the functions of one of them under subsection (1) or (3) to be exercised by the other.
(6)Any arrangements under subsection (5) do not affect the responsibility of a Local Health Board as relevant mental health service provider under subsection (1) or (3).
(7)Section 15 makes provision about the identification of the relevant mental health service provider for a relevant patient.