What is mental health act 1983 important for?

United Kingdom: The mental health act of 1983 is an act of parliament in the uk -- it pertains to people in england & wales. It describes the care and treatment of people with mental illness, and how they can be detained to have their disorder diagnosed and treated -- even against their wishes ("sectioning"). It was amended in 2007, with more description of process and mental health professionals too.

Explained below: The Mental Health Act 1983 (c.20) is an Act of the Parliament of the United Kingdom which applies to people in England and Wales. It covers the reception, care and treatment of mentally disordered persons, the management of their property and other related matters. In particular, it provides the legislation by which people diagnosed with a mental disorder can be detained in hospital or police custody and have their disorder assessed or treated against their wishes, unofficially known as "sectioning". Its use is reviewed and regulated by the Care Quality Commission. The Act has been significantly amended by the Mental Health Act 2007.