(1)Subject to the provisions of subsections (3) and (4) of this section, a blood sample which is required to be taken from any person for the purpose of giving effect to a direction under section 20 of this Act shall not be taken from that person except with his consent.
(2)The consent of a minor who has attained the age of sixteen years to the taking from himself of a blood sample shall be as effective as it would be if he were of full age; and where a minor has by virtue of this subsection given an effective consent to the taking of a blood sample it shall not be necessary to obtain any consent for it from any other person.
(3)A blood sample may be taken from a person under the age of sixteen years, not being such a person as is referred to in subsection (4) of this section, if the person who has the care and control of him consents.
(4)A blood sample may be taken from a person who is suffering from mental disorder within the meaning of the [F1M1Mental Health Act 1983] and is incapable of understanding the nature and purpose of blood tests if the person who has the care and control of him consents and the medical practitioner in whose care he is has certified that the taking of a blood sample from him will not be prejudicial to his proper care and treatment.
(5)The foregoing provisions of this section are without prejudice to the provisions of section 23 of this Act.
Textual Amendments
F1Words substituted by Mental Health Act 1983 (c. 20, SIF 85), ss. 146, 147, 148, Sch. 4 para. 25
Marginal Citations