CTO Purpose — MRCPsych Paper B MCQ

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ModerateMental Health LawCTO PurposeMRCPsych Paper B

In England, a patient detained for treatment under the Mental Health Act 1983 is considered well enough to leave hospital. The responsible clinician considers that treatment can be provided safely in the community but that the patient should remain liable to recall to hospital if necessary. Under which provision can the patient be discharged onto a community treatment order?

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Correct answer: D — Section 17A

The correct answer is section 17A, which provides for a community treatment order (CTO). A CTO permits an eligible detained patient to leave hospital for supervised community treatment while remaining liable to recall. Patients detained under section 3, and certain unrestricted Part 3 patients, may be considered for a CTO when discharged from hospital. Section 2 authorises detention for assessment, whereas section 3 authorises detention for treatment in hospital. Section 4 is an emergency admission power for assessment, and section 5(2) is a short-term holding power for an informal hospital inpatient. Neither section 2, section 4 nor section 5(2) creates a community-based compulsory treatment and recall framework.

Reference: Department of Health and Social Care, Community treatment order (CTO) forms for use under the Mental Health Act: Form CTO1, section 17A, 2020. https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/community-treatment-order-cto-forms-for-use-under-the-mental-health-act