34Withdrawals from patient accounts

34 Withdrawals from patient accounts

34 Withdrawals from patient accounts

(1) The responsible person for a mental health facility may authorise the withdrawal of an amount from a patient’s account in the Patients Trust Fund if, in the responsible person’s opinion—

(a) the patient is incapable of withdrawing from, and safeguarding money in, the patient’s account, and

(b) the amount is necessary for the purchase of goods and services for the benefit, use or enjoyment of the patient.

(2) Before authorising withdrawals from the patient’s account, the responsible person must, if reasonably practicable, consult with the patient’s designated carer or principal care provider about the general amounts and frequency of withdrawals.

(3) A certificate, signed by 2 members of staff of a mental health facility, to the effect that the goods or services represented by the amount withdrawn under this section have been received by the patient for the benefit, use or enjoyment of the patient is evidence that—

(a) the patient has received the goods or services, and

(b) the goods or services are for the benefit, use or enjoyment of the patient.