CONSULT.Outcome publishedConsultation · gov.uk
Changes to Mental Health Act (1983) Code of Practice
Seeks comments on proposed changes to legislation governing the treatment of people with mental health problems.
Last fetched 03 May 2026 · gov.uk
Detail
The Code informs health practitioners’ decisions, protects patients’ rights and ensures that the Mental Health Act is followed. The Code tells families, carers and people who are detained, treated or released under the Act about care and support available during a crisis. It also covers what to do if it isn’t received.
The draft Code includes new chapters on:
- the Care Programme Approach
- equality, human rights and parity of esteem
- mental capacity and deprivation of liberty
- victims
A new Code, reference guide and interactive, ‘easy read’ online version will come into force on 1 April 2015.
Documents
Stronger code: better care consultation on proposed changes to the code of practice: Mental Health Act 1983application/pdfMental Health Act 1983: draft code of practice for consultationapplication/pdfStronger code better care: consultation on proposed changes to the Mental Health Act 1983 (easyread)application/pdfStronger code better care: consultation on proposed changes to the Mental Health Act 1983 (easyread answer booklet)application/pdfRevised code of practice: Mental Health Act 1983 impact assessmentapplication/pdfStronger code better care: consultation on proposed changes to the code of practice: Mental Health Act 1983 (print version)application/pdfMental Health Act 1983: draft code of practice for consultation (print version)application/pdfStronger Code: Better Care - Government response to the consultation on the Mental Health Act 1983 Code of Practiceapplication/pdfMental Health Act 1983 Code of Practice 2015: Equality Analysisapplication/pdfImpact assessmentapplication/pdf