Mental Capacity Act (Northern Ireland) 2016

Expiry where no examination and report by suitable medical practitioner within required time

13.—(1) This paragraph applies where—

(a) a report under paragraph 11 (an “admission report”) has been made;

(b) the admission report was not such as to terminate the authorisation; and

(c) the admission report was made by a practitioner within paragraph 11(3)(c) (and not within paragraph 11(3)(a) or (b)).

(2) If, at the end of 48 hours from the time when the admission report was made, a suitable medical practitioner has not examined P and made a report in accordance with sub-paragraphs (4) and (5), the expiry of that period is an event which terminates the authorisation.

(3) In this paragraph “a suitable medical practitioner” means—

(a) the responsible medical practitioner; or

(b) if it is not practicable for that practitioner to carry out the examination under this paragraph, another medical practitioner who meets prescribed conditions.

(4) A medical practitioner carrying out an examination under this paragraph must immediately make a report in the prescribed form of the examination.

(5) The report must include a statement by the person making the report as to whether, in that person’s opinion, the condition in paragraph 12 is met.

(6) If the report states that in the opinion of the person making the report that condition is not met, the making of the report is an event which terminates the authorisation.

(7) A person who makes a report under this paragraph must immediately give the report to the managing authority of the hospital.