There are several different types of sectioning orders as listed in the relevant tabs. Each one is used for different purposes, lasts for different lengths of time and can be used by a variety of different health care professionals and police officers. However, not everyone may use every type of order. The following are the sectioning powers available to the following professions:

Nurses: Section 5 (4)

Doctors: Section 5 (2)

Police Officers: Sections 135 and 136

A mental health professional and doctor:

Approved mental health professionals (social workers, nurses, psychologists or occupational therapists) and rarely relatives may also put an application in for sections 2, 3 and 4. These all require approval by 1 or more doctors to be carried out.

References

• Crown Copyright (1983) Mental Health Act 1983 [online]. Available at: http://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/1983/20/contents (Accessed 21/07/17) (amended by the Mental Health Act 2007)
• J. Collier, M. Longmore, T. Turmezel and A. R. Mafi. Oxford Handbook of Clinical Specialties, 8th edition, Oxford University press, 2008, pp: 398-401