Since publication of the original edition in 1996, this book has established itself as an essential text for occupational therapists. It offers an understanding of the law relating to their practice, but is written to be accessible for those who have no prior legal knowledge. The text provides valuable information for occupational therapists employed in health and social services, as well as the law relevant to private practitioners.

The book includes chapters on all the main client groups and presents the relevant specialist law. Students and teachers of occupational therapy will find the chapters on professional registration, education, training and research of particular interest.

The thirdedition has been substantially revised to cover significant changes in legislation since the previous version. There is also a brand new chapter on the subject of death and dying.Legal Aspects of Occupational Therapy remains a key resource for the occupational therapy student, practitioner and service manager.

Bridgit C. Dimond is a Barrister-at-Law and Emeritus Professor at the University of Glamorgan. A prolific author and lecturer, her long-standing collaboration with occupational therapists informs this book, as well as the many courses she facilitates for the occupational therapy community.

Foreword by Julia Scott, Chief Executive, College of Occupational Therapists.

Preface to Third Edition.

Preface to First Edition.

Acknowledgements.

Abbreviations.

1 Occupational Therapy.

2 The Legal System.

3 Registration and the Health Professions Council.

4 Professional Conduct Proceedings.

5 Education and Training.

6 Rights of Clients.

7 Consent and Information Giving.

8 The Duty of Confidentiality and Data Protection.

9 Access to Records and Information.

10 Negligence.

11 Health and Safety.

12 Record Keeping.

13 Statements, Reports and Giving Evidence in Court.

14 Handling Complaints.

15 Equipment and Medicinal Products.

16 Transport Issues.

17 Statutory Organisation of Health and Social Services.

18 Community Care and the Rights of the Disabled.

19 Employment Law.

20 Physical Disabilities.

21 Mental Disorder.

22 Learning Disabilities.

23 Care of Babies, Children and Young Persons.

24 Older People.

25 Death and the Dying.

26 Teaching and Research.

27 Complementary Medicine.

28 Independent Practice.

29 The Future.

Appendix 1: Articles of the European Convention on Human Rights.

Appendix 2: NHS Constitution.

Appendix 3: Sections 16 of the Health Act 2009 and section 11 introducing provisions for Direct Payments for health care into the NHS Act 2006.

Glossary.

Further Reading.

Useful Websites.

Table of Cases.

Table of Statutes.

Index.