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This is a special health authority authorised to keep under review all aspects of the care of patients detained under the Mental Health Act. It can investigate complaints, arrange second opinions under the Mental Health Act as required by the Act's consent to treatment safeguards, and is responsible for monitoring the Mental Health Act code of practice. It cannot discharge a patient from hospital. A patient can make a complaint to the Commission about anything that has happened to him/her whilst detained. The complaint should be made to the hospital management in the first instance. However, where the complaint is about the exercise of compulsory powers it can be made directly to the Commission. In both instances the Commission will decide whether to investigate the complaint. The MHAC also visits hospitals, with regard to checking records and speaking to patients.

31st January 2003