Part 1Amendments to Mental Health Act 1983
Chapter 3Safeguards for patients
Patient’s nearest relative
26Civil partners
1
Section 26 of the 1983 Act (definition of “relative” and “nearest relative”) is amended as set out in subsections (2) to (5).
2
In subsection (1)(a), after “wife” insert “or civil partner”.
3
In subsection (5)—
a
in paragraph (b) after “wife” insert “or civil partner”, and
b
in paragraph (c) after “wife,” insert “civil partner,”.
4
In subsection (6)—
a
for “and “wife” include a person who is living with the patient as the patient’s husband or wife” substitute “, “wife” and “civil partner” include a person who is living with the patient as the patient’s husband or wife or as if they were civil partners”, and
b
for “unless the husband or wife” substitute “or a patient in a civil partnership unless the husband, wife or civil partner”.
5
In subsection (7)(b), for “unless the husband or wife” substitute “or a patient in a civil partnership unless the husband, wife or civil partner”.
6
In section 27 of the 1983 Act (children and young persons in care), after “wife” insert “or civil partner”.