Mental Health Approval Function Services 2025-30

Under the Mental Health Act, the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care is responsible for the approval of Section 12 doctors and Approved Clinicians, roles with specific responsibilities under the Act relating to the assessment for detention and to the treatment of patients. These functions are collectively referred to as 'the Approval functions'. The Approval functions have been vested in the Secretary of State since the enactment of the MHA but can be delegated by virtue of regulations made under the National Health Service Act 1977 and directions issued under the National Health…