PART IIIRECEPTION OF PERSONS IN SCOTLAND
Absconding23
1
Without prejudice to the powers of an escort under regulation 22, a patient who, while being escorted to their destination in Scotland, absconds within Scotland, will be liable to be taken into custody by a person specified in paragraph (3).
2
Where a patient is taken into custody under paragraph (1), the specified person may–
a
return the patient to the custody of the escorts from whose charge the patient absconded or, if that is not practicable;
b
take the patient to any place considered appropriate by the patient’s responsible medical officer.
3
The persons referred to in paragraph (1) are–
a
a mental health officer;
b
a constable;
c
a member of staff of any hospital; and
d
any other person authorised for the purposes by the patient’s responsible medical officer.