Mental health officer service (MHO)
A mental health officer (MHO) is a registered social worker who has undergone specialist training and education to work with people with a mental disorder.
MHOs are accountable to the local authority that employs them, but their assessments are independent. MHOs must comply with the National Standards for Mental Health Officer Services.
What do we do?
Mental Health Officers have a wide range of duties under three pieces of primary legislation.
Mental Health (Care and Treatment) Scotland Act 2003
For people requiring hospital admission who are mentally unwell and cannot consent for necessary treatment, the MHO may consider consent to their admission to hospital for assessment or treatment under an emergency or short-term detention certificate.
For those persons requiring care and treatment in hospital for an extended period, the MHO can apply to the Mental Health Tribunal Service for Compulsory Treatment Orders authorising detention in hospital for up to a period of six months.
Read the Mental Health (Care and Treatment) Scotland Act 2003
Criminal Procedure (Scotland) Act 1995
MHOs also perform duties under the Criminal Procedures (Scotland) Act 1995, including compiling Court reports on mentally disordered offenders who are subject to criminal justice processes.
Read the Criminal Procedure (Scotland) Act 1995
Adults with Incapacity (Scotland) Act 2000
MHOs also perform duties under the Adults with Incapacity Act providing assessments and reports for the Sheriff Courts to support Guardianship applications.
Adults with Incapacity (NHS Highland)
What is a designated MHO?
When an individual is required to receive care or treatment under the Mental Health (Care and Treatment) Act the local authority must appoint a designated MHO for the period that the individual is subject to compulsory measures under the Mental Health Act. This provides consistent contact for people to discuss their situation and any concerns they may have.
The designated MHO will consult and liaise with the doctor in charge of the person's care and treatment, known as the Responsible Medical Officer (RMO) and prepare any reports necessary for the Mental Health Tribunal Service or the Sheriff Court.
Who can make a referral for an MHO?
A GP or psychiatrist will refer to an MHO when they are considering the use of legislation to help a patient receive the right care and treatment.
A lawyer can request the help of an MHO to provide a report when an application is being made for Guardianship (under the Adults with Incapacity Act).
There are no charges for Mental Health Officer services.