10 September 1948

The Mental Health Deficiency Regulations 1948 have now taken the place of the 1935 regulations. The community care of mental defectives becomes part of a unified mental health service

co-ordinated by the health authority. Local authorities are relieved of functions in relation to mental deficiency institutions. The Ministry of Health's mental health services division assumes responsibility for administrative matters, while the Board of Control remains the body charged with functions affecting the liberty of the subject.

The old medical journal and visitors' book are thankfully replaced by a new guardianship book, in which are to be inscribed progress reports by local health authority officers and annual reports by a medical practitioner with special experience in mental deficiency. Guardians are newly required to report and enter particulars of any mechanical means of restraint which may be used, and are given power to grant leave of absence for 14 instead of seven days.