http://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/1983/20/section/20AMental Health Act 1983An Act to consolidate the law relating to mentally disordered persons.1983-05-09texttext/xmlenStatute Law Database2026-04-09Expert Participation2026-04-06 Part II Compulsory Admission to Hospital and Guardianship<Substitution ChangeId="d29p2061" CommentaryRef="c20058921">Duration of authority and discharge</Substitution><Addition ChangeId="d29p2274" CommentaryRef="c19831221">Community treatment period</Addition>20A1Subject to the provisions of this Part of this Act, a community treatment order shall cease to be in force on expiry of the period of six months beginning with the day on which it was made.2That period is referred to in this Act as “the community treatment period”.3The community treatment period may, unless the order has previously ceased to be in force, be extended—afrom its expiration for a period of six months;bfrom the expiration of any period of extension under paragraph (a) above for a further period of one year,and so on for periods of one year at a time.4Within the period of two months ending on the day on which the order would cease to be in force in default of an extension under this section, it shall be the duty of the responsible clinician—ato examine the patient; andbif it appears to him that the conditions set out in subsection (6) below are satisfied and if a statement under subsection (8) below is made, to furnish to the managers of the responsible hospital a report to that effect in the prescribed form.5Where such a report is furnished in respect of the patient, the managers shall, unless they discharge him under section 23 below, cause him to be informed.6The conditions referred to in subsection (4) above are that—athe patient is suffering from mental disorder of a nature or degree which makes it appropriate for him to receive medical treatment;bit is necessary for his health or safety or for the protection of other persons that he should receive such treatment;csubject to his continuing to be liable to be recalled as mentioned in paragraph (d) below, such treatment can be provided without his being detained in a hospital;dit is necessary that the responsible clinician should continue to be able to exercise the power under section 17E(1) above to recall the patient to hospital; andeappropriate medical treatment is available for him.7In determining whether the criterion in subsection (6)(d) above is met, the responsible clinician shall, in particular, consider, having regard to the patient's history of mental disorder and any other relevant factors, what risk there would be of a deterioration of the patient's condition if he were to continue not to be detained in a hospital (as a result, for example, of his refusing or neglecting to receive the medical treatment he requires for his mental disorder).8The statement referred to in subsection (4) above is a statement in writing by an approved mental health professional—athat it appears to him that the conditions set out in subsection (6) above are satisfied; andbthat it is appropriate to extend the community treatment period.9Before furnishing a report under subsection (4) above the responsible clinician shall consult one or more other persons who have been professionally concerned with the patient's medical treatment.10Where a report is duly furnished under subsection (4) above, the community treatment period shall be thereby extended for the period prescribed in that case by subsection (3) above.S. 20: cross-heading substituted (3.11.2008) by virtue of Mental Health Act 2007 (c. 12), ss. 32(3), 56 (with Sch. 10); S.I. 2008/1900, art. 2(i) (with art. 3, Sch.)Ss. 20A, 20B inserted (3.11.2008) by Mental Health Act 2007 (c. 12), ss. 32(3), 56 (with Sch. 10); S.I. 2008/1900, art. 2(i) (with art. 3, Sch.)Pt. II (ss. 2–34) modified by Mental Health (Scotland) Act 1984 (c. 36, SIF 85), ss. 17(2), 78(2)Part II (ss. 2-34) modified (E.W.) (1.1.1992) by Criminal Procedure (Insanity and Unfitness to Plead) Act 1991 (c. 25, SIF 39:1), s. 5(1), Sch. 1 para.3 (with saving in s. 8); S.I. 1991/2488, art. 2