(1)The 1983 Act is amended as follows.
(2)In section 118 (code of practice), in subsection (1)(a), after “registered medical practitioners” insert “ , approved clinicians ”.
(3)In the following provisions, after “registered medical practitioner” insert “ or approved clinician ”
(a)section 120(4)(a) (right of person authorised by Secretary of State etc to visit patients), and
(b)section 121(5)(a) (right of person authorised by Mental Health Act Commission to visit patients).
(4)In section 134 (correspondence of patients), in subsection (1), for “registered medical practitioner in charge of the treatment of the patient” substitute “ approved clinician with overall responsibility for the patient's case ”.
(5)In section 145 (general interpretation), in subsection (1), insert the following definition at the appropriate place—
““approved clinician” means a person approved by the Secretary of State (in relation to England) or by the Welsh Ministers (in relation to Wales) to act as an approved clinician for the purposes of this Act;”.