The MHC has the power under the Mental Health Act 2001 to develop codes of practice to guide those working in mental health services.
We have issued codes covering the following aspects of care and treatment and service provision since 1st November 2006:
- Code of Practice on the use of Digital Monitoring Technologies (the Code will come into effect on 1 January 2027)
- Admission, Transfer and Discharge to and from an Approved Centre
- Admission, Transfer and Discharge to and from an Approved centre in Plain English
- Code of Practice on the use of Physical Restraint (in operation since 1 January 2023)
- Use of Physical Restraint in Approved Centres Plain English
- Clinical practice form for physical restraint
One of the principal functions of the MHC under the Mental Health Acts 2001-2018, Section 33(1) is to ‘promote, encourage and foster the establishment and maintenance of high standards and good practices in the delivery of mental health services’. The MHC is mandated under the Mental Health Acts 2001-2018 to develop and review Rules and Codes of Practice including, but not limited to, the rules governing the use of seclusion and mechanical means of bodily restraint on a patient. In line with this provision, the MHC issues guidance and develops standards to improve service delivery and service user experience. The MHC is committed to ensuring that its published standards and guidance documents are up to date, evidence based, reflect international best practice, and are supported by effective, consistent communications.
Please find our Register of Standards and Other Guidance for download.
Please find our Standards Development policy for download.
Please find our Seclusion and Restraint Reduction Strategy for download.
The MHC has developed resources and e-learning training modules covering each category of restrictive practice. These online training courses are available to all staff working in approved centres on the HSeLanD website. The training provides learners with high level information and instruction on some of the key changes made to the revised rules and code of practice.
