Suspensions

GMC may suspend a registration or impose time limited conditions – This can affect the status of an approval

The Panel can suspend an approval under certain conditions & approval period will continue to run whilst suspension is in place

If an approval lapses, the applicant can reapply for renewal within one year otherwise a new application is required

If you go abroad & relinquish registration, your approval will be withdrawn until your registration is reinstated

General conditions

It is individual’s responsibility to ensure that they;

• Comply with all the requirements for renewal
• Seek renewal of your authorisation in good time
• Notify regional Panel immediately if leave the region or if there is any change in the contact details
• Sec 12(2) approval transferable between England & Wales but not AC approval – you must apply separately for AC in England and in Wales)
• Scotland MHA is different from England

S12 Re-approvals

And, be able to demonstrate that you are;

• Acting as a Medical member of the First-tier Tribunal (Mental Health).
• Undertaking assessments as a SOAD
• Preparation of independent expert reports for Courts
• Undertaking at least two Mental Health Act assessments within the previous calendar year.
• Confirmation of having acted as a RC, or an AC in charge of the treatment of a patient.
• Confirmation of employment in a clinical post with substantial responsibility for the diagnosis or treatment of mental disorder. This is likely to be within a specialist mental health setting.

I am retired and no longer need AC approval. Can I still apply for S12 approval?

Yes, you could still apply for S12 approval.

However, you may be asked to demonstrate on-going involvement in the diagnosis or treatment of mental disorder in one or more (see next slide) of the following roles/activities (note except for short term locum doctors all the below are confirmed by applicant and referees on application and reference forms):

Why my references are unsatisfactory for AC renewal?

You may not meet the reference requirement, if you no longer possess all of the professional competencies set out in Schedule 2 of the Secretary of State’s Instructions 2014 (see below all 8 competencies)

• Comprehensive understanding of the AC role, legal responsibilities and key functions of the AC and RC role
• Applied knowledge of legal and policy framework/codes of practice/Nice guidelines
• Assessment
• Treatment
• Care Planning
• Clinical leadership & MDT working
• Equality and Diversity
• Communication

Whom shall I nominate as my referees?

The Approvals Panel require two supporting references.

One of your referees must be either your current Clinical or Medical Director and one must have worked with you for a period of minimum 3 months (full time) in the preceding 12 months.

One of the referees must be an Approved Clinician, the other referee may be drawn from one of the following options:
An Approved Clinician
Medical or Clinical Director or equivalent
Programme Director or equivalent
An Approved Mental Health Professional (AMPH) with whom the applicant has worked within the preceding twelve months

Referees must be able to comment on your understanding of and ability to implement the Mental Health Act (1983).

How long does it take for me to get my re-approval?

Renewal process take at least 6-8 weeks from the receipt date of the application and supporting documents.

Possible (time limited)conditions on S12 or AC renewal

Can I get conditional approval?

Documentation required for AC renewal