The multi-professional AMHP role

Abstract

This chapter explores the multi-professional role of the Approved Mental Health Professional (AMHP), examining who can now be approved as AMHPs, and whether there is a difference in the way practitioners from different professional groups undertake the role, and in their own and others’ attitudes towards it. The chapter includes: details of the regulations that apply; an analysis of the strengths and weaknesses of diversification of professional background; working in partnership; some verbatim accounts by AMHPs from the differing eligible professions as to their views of the role. The AMHP role has, since 3 November 2008, been available to four professional groups, as listed in Schedule 1 to the Mental Health (Approved Mental Health Professionals) (Approval) (England) Regulations (SI 2008/1206) and the Mental Health (Approved Mental Health Professionals) (Approval) (Wales) Regulations (SI 2008/2436), thereby dissolving the exclusive domination by social work of the approved status. The Mental Health Act 2007 brought in this amendment (as well as others), with the aim of diversifying eligibility. AMHP status is attributed to a professional who is approved by a local authority (LA) to act and undertake the role. It offers a unique identity which is aligned to an eligible qualified professional, registered with the appropriate body. The departure from social work dominance of the AMHP role is crystallised in section 114ZA(2) of the MHA for England, and section 114A of the MHA for Wales, where it is stated that the functions of an AMHP are not to be considered to be ‘relevant social work’ for the purposes of Part 4 of the Care Standards Act 2000 (in England), and Parts 3 to 8 of the Regulation and Inspection of Social Care (Wales) Act 2016.