Why you should read this article:

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To enhance your understanding of the First-tier Tribunal (Mental Health) process

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To consider how you can support patients through the process and protect the therapeutic relationship

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To contribute towards revalidation as part of your 35 hours of CPD (UK readers)

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To contribute towards your professional development and local registration renewal requirements (non-UK readers)

The First-tier Tribunal (Mental Health) is an independent judicial body that hears applications from people who have had their freedom restricted under the Mental Health Act 1983 (amended 2007). Mental health nurses may be required to provide its panel with written and/or oral evidence. It can be challenging for nurses to protect the therapeutic relationship with the patient while fulfilling their duty to provide evidence to the panel. This article gives an overview of the legal process and details the evidence nurses may be required to provide. The article also discusses ways in which nurses can support patients throughout the process and attempt to protect the therapeutic relationship.