The Mental Health (Care and Treatment) (Scotland) Act 2003: Are You a Named Person? - A Guide Supporting the Role of Named Person

Glossary

Act (the): The Mental Health (Care and Treatment) (Scotland) Act 2003.
Advance Statement: a document setting out how a person wishes to be treated if, in the future, they become unwell and unable to express their views.
Carer: any person who provides, on a regular basis, a substantial amount of care for, and support to, a service user - but not as part of their paid employment.
Compulsory Treatment Order ( CTO): initiates a course of compulsory care and treatment, based in a hospital or in the community. Lasts for 6 months initially, but can then be extended.
Curator ad litem: a solicitor appointed to represent a person who, in the opinion of the Mental Health Tribunal or a court, is unable to make decisions for themselves.
Declaration: is the form of words employed by a service user to ensure that an individual is not appointed to act as their Named Person. Must be witnessed.
Independent Advocacy: a free service open to every person with a mental disorder. The independent advocate's role is to enable a service user to deal with any situation they may face, rather than to deal with the problem on the service user's behalf.
Mental Disorder: a term used in the Mental Health Act to cover mental illness including dementia, learning disability or personality disorder.
Mental Health Tribunal for Scotland: makes decisions about the care, treatment and other matters relating to those who are subject to compulsory powers under the Mental Health Act.
Mental Health Officer ( MHO): a social worker who deals specifically with people with mental disorder, and has particular duties under the Act.
Mental Welfare Commission: an independent organisation working to safeguard the rights and welfare of everyone with a mental illness, learning disability or other mental disorder. The Commission visits people receiving care and treatment, publishes good practice guidance and provides telephone advice and information for service users, carers and professionals.
Named Person: chosen by a service user (or can be appointed by a mental health tribunal) to represent their interests should they become subject to compulsory treatment under the Mental Health Act.
Nomination: is the form of words used in the appointment of a named person by a service user. Must be witnessed.
Personal Statement: explains what a person would like done (other than care and treatment - which is covered in an Advance Statement) if they become unwell in the future. For example, if they are taken into hospital, who will look after their children or pets.
Primary Carer: the person who provides all or most of the care and support for a service user.
Responsible Medical Officer ( RMO): is a medical practitioner, usually a consultant psychiatrist, who is responsible for the service user's care and treatment.
Service User: is a person using mental health services, either in hospital or in the community.
Voluntary or informal service user: someone who agrees to accept treatment for their mental disorder and who is not subject to compulsory powers under the Act - also known as a voluntary patient.
Witness: in the context of the Act, is someone qualified to witness a service user's Nomination (or Declaration or Revocation) of their Named Person, or Advance Statement - can be a medical practitioner, clinical psychologist, occupational therapist registered with the Health Professions Council, a registered nurse, social worker, solicitor or certain persons providing, or managing the provision of, certain care services.