Approved Clinician — MRCPsych Paper B MCQ

Correct answer: D — Registered medical practitioners, practitioner psychologists, mental health or learning disability nurses, occupational therapists, and social workers

Explanation lettering: E = shown as A · C = shown as B · A = shown as C · B = shown as D · D = shown as E

B is correct. In England, the professional eligibility requirement for Approved Clinician status may be met by a registered medical practitioner, practitioner psychologist, mental health or learning disability nurse, occupational therapist, or social worker. Being from an eligible profession is not sufficient alone: the applicant must also demonstrate the required competencies and receive formal approval. Physiotherapists and pharmacists are not eligible professional groups. The nursing category is restricted to mental health or learning disability nursing, so adult nursing alone is insufficient. Section 12 approval applies to doctors and is distinct from Approved Clinician approval; similarly, Approved Mental Health Professional is a separate statutory role. An Approved Clinician may be appointed as the Responsible Clinician for a detained patient.

Reference: Department of Health, Instructions with Respect to the Exercise of an Approval Function in Relation to Approved Clinicians 2015, Schedule 1: Professional Requirements (effective 5 January 2016). https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/5a7f38e4e5274a2e87db48a8/2015_AC_Instructions.pdf