Adult Social Care Glossary, v 0.6

(1) An LSSA [defined in Regulation 2 as "a local social services authority in England"] may only approve a person to act as an AMHP if it is satisfied that the person has appropriate competence in dealing with persons who are suffering from mental disorder.
(2) In determining whether it is satisfied a person has appropriate competence, the LSSA must take into account the following factors--
(a) that the person fulfils at least one of the professional requirements, and
(b) the matters set out in Schedule 2.
(3) Before an LSSA may approve a person to act as an AMHP who has not been approved, or been treated as approved, before in England and Wales, the person must have completed within the last five years a course approved by the General Social Care Council or the Care Council for Wales.

SCHEDULE 1 - Professional Requirements
The professional requirements are as follows--
(a) a social worker registered with the General Social Care Council;
(b) a first level nurse, registered in Sub-Part 1 of the Nurses' Part of the Register maintained under article 5 of the Nursing and Midwifery Order 2001, with the inclusion of an entry indicating their field of practice is mental health or learning disabilities nursing;
(c) an occupational therapist registered in Part 6 of the Register maintained under article 5 of the Health Professions Order 2001; or
(d) a chartered psychologist who is listed in the British Psychological Society's Register of Chartered Psychologists and who holds a relevant practising certificate issued by that Society.

SCHEDULE 2 - Matters to be taken into account to determine competence [see source legislation for full detail]
1. Key Competence Area 1: Application of Values to the AMHP Role
2. Key Competence Area 2: Application of Knowledge: The Legal and Policy Framework
3. Key Competence Area 3: Application of Knowledge: Mental Disorder
4. Key Competence Area 4: Application of Skills: Working in Partnership
5. Key Competence Area 5: Application of Skills: Making and Communicating Informed Decisions