Section 5(2) — MRCPsych Paper B MCQ
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Correct answer: B — 72 hours
The correct answer is **C: 72 hours**. Section 5(2) permits an informal hospital inpatient to be detained for a maximum of 72 hours while assessment for an application under the Mental Health Act is arranged. The period begins when the clinician's written report is furnished to the hospital managers, and assessment should be arranged as soon as possible rather than routinely waiting 72 hours. The power cannot be renewed. A duty doctor may use it if validly designated as the nominated deputy and must exercise independent clinical judgement. Six hours is the maximum duration of the nurse's holding power under section 5(4), not section 5(2). Twenty-four hours, 7 days and 28 days are not section 5(2) time limits; 28 days is associated with detention for assessment under section 2.
Reference: Department of Health. Mental Health Act 1983: Code of Practice. Chapter 18, paragraphs 18.3, 18.6 and 18.12–18.20. 2015. https://www.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/396918/Code_of_Practice.pdf