The First-tier Tribunal replaces the Mental Health Review Tribunal in
England from 3 November 2008. There will also be a new Upper Tribunal
which will deal with appeals on a point of law against decisions of the
First-tier Tribunal.
The new statutory Rules for the Health and Social Care Chamber of the First-tier Tribunal are at http://www.opsi.gov.uk/si/si2008/uksi_20082698_en_1 These are the Rules that govern Mental Health Act cases from 3 November.
The Rules have to be read alongside Practice Directions which set out the reports which hospital managers and other responsible authorities have to submit in respect of applications and references to the Tribunal made on or
after 3 November. A final draft of those Practice Directions is now on the MHRT website at
http://www.mhrt.org.uk/RulesLegislation/rulesLegislation.htm
The Rules for appeals to the Upper Tribunal are at
http://www.opsi.gov.uk/si/si2008/uksi_20082698_en_1
Between them the new Rules and Practice Directions replace the current MHRT Rules.