Is there going to be some more detailed guidance about the fit between §.117 of the Mental Health Act (MHA) and NHS Continuing Healthcare?
Answer No. Arrangements under the MHA are separate and different from NHS continuing healthcare and the two should not be confused. Under the Mental Health Act, councils and the NHS share responsibility for providing – free of charge – after care under §.117 The National Framework states that it is not necessary to assess eligibility for NHS continuing healthcare if all the services in question are to be provided as aftercare under §.117. Only if an individual has additional needs that are not covered under §.117 might it be necessary to carry out consideration for NHS continuing healthcare. (paras.
