LW4009 - Policy Requirements of the Code of Practice

You will be provided with a module workbook and a case summary pack. These materials will provide you with an overview of the relevant provisions of the law, guidance and policy and include detailed guidance on the activities you should undertake as part of your independent studies, which will include self-evaluative tasks.

There are two study days for this module. You are strongly encouraged to attend these study days, at which your tutor will provide you with guidance on the law and its application and when you will also have the opportunity to discuss the current law and to consider how it applies in practice, with your tutor and fellow students.

In addition you will have access to a module elearning site, from which you will also be able to access the module materials and the module’s electronic reading list. You will also be expected to use the university’s library databases to access key legal source materials, including case law.

You will be exposed to a variety of research-informed experiences during the module; research-led learning (when, in teaching you, your tutor draws on their knowledge and experience of mental health law); research-tutored learning (when your tutor asks you to discuss current knowledge) and research-based learning (when you undertake your own research in order to complete the module assessment).

You will have a module tutor who is responsible for delivery of this module. Your module tutor will provide you with a detailed workbook and case book. You will meet with and be able to discuss any queries that you may have with your module tutor at the study days. You may also communicate with your Module Tutor by e-mail or telephone and are encouraged to contact your Module Tutor if you encounter any difficulties relating to any aspect of the module. You will also be provided with access to a module elearning site, from which you will be able to access key module materials.

A designated administrator is responsible for the non-academic administration of the module. They will contact you throughout the duration of your module with details about enrolment, arrangements for attendance at study days, assignment process etc. Their contact details are provided in the programme handbook. If you have concerns about issues that may affect your ability to complete the module satisfactorily you should not hesitate to contact your Programme Leader, who will provide pastoral support throughout the module and the programme as a whole.

In addition as a distance learning student at Northumbria you will be able to access a range of on-line legal databases and resources which you will find useful for your studies, and through the SCONUL scheme may also utilise resources at other institutions.

All modules at Northumbria include a range of reading materials that students are expected to engage with. The reading list for this module can be found at: http://readinglists.northumbria.ac.uk
(Reading List service online guide for academic staff this containing contact details for the Reading List team – http://library.northumbria.ac.uk/readinglists)

Knowledge & Understanding:
• You will be able to demonstrate knowledge and understanding of the status and basic principles of the Code of Practice to the Mental Health Act 1983

Intellectual / Professional skills & abilities:
• You will be able to communicate using structured, coherent arguments and accurate legal terminology
• You will be able to reflect upon the operation of mental health law and practice, particularly in relation to the the Mental Health Act Code of Practice, and analyse the extent to which a trust’s policy is legally compliant

Personal Values Attributes (Global / Cultural awareness, Ethics, Curiosity) (PVA):
• Be able to reflect upon your learning and make use of feedback provided on previous assessments
• Have an awareness of the ethical considerations that arise in the mental health context

You must submit a piece of coursework (max 2500 words) which will require you to critically analyse a hospital policy/ies relating to the care and treatment of those with mental disorders in light of the provisions of the Mental Health Act Code of Practice

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This module will develop your understanding of the legal provisions relating to the management of patients, the provisions of the Code of Practice to the Mental Health Act 1983 and the role of the Care Quality Commission. In addition you will develop understanding of the development and revision of hospital policies and will develop your ability to apply the Code to practical scenarios.

On this distance learning module you will be provided with a detailed workbook and will have the opportunity to attend two study days. The module aims, through discussion, self-test questions and practical tasks to develop your understanding of mental health law, and your ability to apply key concepts and principles to real life problems. Your tutor will draw upon their knowledge and expertise in mental health law to teach you, and you will be encouraged to discuss and reflect upon the law and its application.