Aftercare under supervision: implications for CMHNs

This article examines the implications for practice of the Mental Health (Patients in the Community) Act 1995, which came into force on 1 April 1996. The main purpose of this legislation is to introduce a system of 'aftercare under supervision' in the community for certain patients who have previously been detained under the Mental Health Act 1983, before discharge. The nominated 'supervisor' will have responsibility for ensuring that the aftercare plan requirements are fulfilled. As a result of their role as community keyworkers it is likely that community mental health nurses will undertake this role. Careful consideration needs to be paid to education and training in relation to these responsibilities, and practitioners need to become aware of the challenges that such a role is likely to present.