SOAD Role — MRCPsych Paper B MCQ

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EasyMental Health LawSOAD RoleMRCPsych Paper B

In England, which professional provides the statutory independent second opinion and completes the relevant certification when this is required for treatment under sections 57, 58 or 58A of the Mental Health Act 1983?

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Correct answer: D — Second opinion appointed doctor

The correct answer is **C, second opinion appointed doctor (SOAD)**. A SOAD provides the independent medical scrutiny and, where statutory criteria are met, completes the relevant second-opinion treatment certificate. This safeguard applies in specified circumstances under sections 57, 58 and 58A of the Mental Health Act 1983. The responsible clinician is in charge of the proposed treatment but is not the independent second-opinion doctor. An AMHP has key assessment and application functions under the Act, rather than treatment certification. Hospital managers have statutory oversight functions but do not give the medical second opinion. The Care Quality Commission administers the SOAD service in England; it does not itself provide the individual medical opinion.

Reference: Department of Health and Social Care. Treatment forms for use under the Mental Health Act, England, 2020. https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/treatment-forms-for-use-under-the-mental-health-act