CQC SOADs — MRCPsych Paper B MCQ
Instant feedback + full explanation. One question, done properly.
Educational content. Not a substitute for clinical judgement or local policy.
Reveal the answer and explanation
Correct answer: D — Care Quality Commission
The correct answer is **B, the Care Quality Commission (CQC)**. In England, the CQC has the statutory duty to appoint second opinion appointed doctors. SOADs provide an independent safeguard when specified treatment provisions of the Mental Health Act require a second opinion, including procedures under sections 57, 58 and 58A. Hospital managers and the treating team may initiate or facilitate a request but do not appoint the SOAD. NHS England commissions NHS services but does not perform this appointment function. Local authorities have separate Mental Health Act responsibilities, including approval of approved mental health professionals, while the First-tier Tribunal reviews matters such as continued detention and does not appoint SOADs.
Reference: Department of Health, Mental Health Act 1983: Code of Practice, Introduction paragraph XXIV, 2015. https://www.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/396918/Code_of_Practice.pdf