Mental Health Act 1983 (amended 2007) Section 2: compulsory admission for up to 28 d for assessment Section 3: compulsory admission for up to 6 m for treatment (in people with an established diagnosis). Sections 2 and 3: require an application from an Approved Mental Health Professional (AMHP, formerly an Approved Social Worker), or, rarely, the person's nearest relative, and recommendations from two doctors; one of whom is section 12-approved (usually a psychiatrist) and one who has previous acquaintance with the person (usually the person's GP if at all practicable). Ideally, the person should be examined jointly by the two doctors with the AMHP also present. Where this is not possible, each doctor may carry out a separate examination. If the AMHP is not present, it is essential that at least one of the doctors discusses the person with the AMHP. Section 4: in exceptional cases to permit compulsory admission for up to 72 hours if there is urgent necessity, and undesirable delay would occur while trying to arrange admission under section 2. It requires an application from an AMHP (or, rarely, the person's nearest relative) and just one medical recommendation, preferably from a doctor with previous acquaintance (usually the person's GP). Section 136: used by police to take people from a public place to a place of safety to enable examination by a registered medical practitioner and interview by an AMHP. The person's GP, where known, may be informed. Statutory forms Reference(s): Wikipedia: Mental Health Act 1983