§ Mr. HealdTo ask the Secretary of State for Health what guidance he gives to medical practitioners on prescribing medicines for those suffering from mental illness, in relation to obtaining patients' consent to treatment. [17339]
§ Jacqui Smith[holding answer 23 November 2001]: Chapter 16 of the 'Code of Practice on the Mental Health Act 1983' provides guidance on the provisions in Part IV of the Act relating to consent by patients being treated for mental disorder.
Except where provisions of Part IV on the Mental Health Act 1983 apply, consent to treatment is governed by the common law. In March 2001, the Department issued the 'Reference Guide to consent for examination or treatment', which provides guidance to practitioners on law and good practice in this field.