This is one of the changes introduced because the Responsible Clinician in charge of treatment no longer has to be a doctor. The old RMO was able to sign the renewal papers himself, but new s20(5A) requires the RC to get another professional to agree to the renewal:

But the responsible clinician may not furnish a report under subsection (3) above unless a person—

(a) who has been professionally concerned with the patient's medical treatment; but

(b) who belongs to a profession other than that to which the responsible clinician belongs, states in writing that he agrees that the conditions set out in subsection (4) above are satisfied.

Note that the second professional need not be a doctor either.

Related change

• Responsible Clinician/Approved Clinician replaces Responsible Medical Officer 3/11/08

Commencement

Date in force	Commencement order	MHA 2007 section	MHA 1983 sections affected
3/11/08	Mental Health Act 2007 (Commencement No.7 and Transitional Provisions) Order 2008	9(4)	s20