UK Parliament / Open data

Mental Health Bill [HL]

Proceeding contribution from Lord Soley (Labour) in the House of Lords on Monday, 26 February 2007. It occurred during Debate on bills on Mental Health Bill [HL].
My Lords, will my noble friend give way, because I am becoming increasingly confused about this? It has always been my understanding, and I do not see anything in the Bill to change it, that if a person is to be treated with a drug therapy to deal with a psychosis, for example, it has to be prescribed by a doctor. It cannot be prescribed otherwise—end of argument and full stop. On the other hand, in the case of a personality disorder that does not usually require drug treatment, the patient might require treatments using other skills and abilities that also often require lengthy periods of training. In those circumstances, a person with medical qualifications is not necessarily the right individual to make the approach. Therefore, there always has to be a team approach, because ultimately both groups will be involved. However, it is and always has been absolutely clear—and would be even if this Bill had not been brought forward—that a person cannot prescribe a drug therapy unless they are medically qualified.

About this proceeding contribution

Reference

689 c1413 

Session

2006-07

Chamber / Committee

House of Lords chamber
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