24 Visiting and examination of patients.E+W
(1)For the purpose of advising as to the exercise by the nearest relative of a patient who is liable to be detained or subject to guardianship under this Part of this Act [F1, or who is a community patient,] of any power to order his discharge, any registered medical practitioner [F2or approved clinician] authorised by or on behalf of the nearest relative of the patient may, at any reasonable time, visit the patient and examine him in private.
(2)Any registered medical practitioner [F2or approved clinician] authorised for the purposes of subsection (1) above to visit and examine a patient may require the production of and inspect any records relating to the detention or treatment of the patient in any hospital [F3or to any after-care services provided for the patient under section 117 below.].
F4(3). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
F4(4). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Textual Amendments
F1Words in s. 24(1) inserted (3.11.2008) by Mental Health Act 2007 (c. 12), ss. 32, 56, Sch. 3 para. 11(2) (with Sch. 10); S.I. 2008/1900, art. 2(i) (with art. 3, Sch.)
F2Words in s. 24 inserted (3.11.2008) by Mental Health Act 2007 (c. 12), ss. 9(7), 56, (with Sch. 10); S.I. 2008/1900, art. 2(b) (with art. 3, Sch.)
F3Words in s. 24(2)(4) inserted (1.4.1996) by 1995 c .52, ss. 1(2), 7(2), Sch. 1, para. 1
F4S. 24(3)(4) omitted (1.7.2012) by virtue of Health and Social Care Act 2012 (c. 7), ss. 39(2), 306(4); S.I. 2012/1319, art. 2(3)