Memorandum of Understanding
Also written as: MOU — Memorandum of Understanding
A formal written agreement between two or more organisations that documents shared responsibilities, referral protocols, or collaboration arrangements without constituting a legally binding contract.
Full Definition
In community psychiatry, memoranda of understanding (MOUs) are widely used to formalise partnerships between mental health agencies, law enforcement, housing providers, courts, schools, and other community stakeholders. An MOU defines the scope, roles, data-sharing terms, and duration of the collaboration, and it is typically required by funders as evidence of an established community network. Editors reviewing MOUs must ensure that the language is consistent regarding partner agency names, service descriptions, and effective dates. The plural form is 'memoranda of understanding' (not 'memorandums'); the abbreviation MOU is acceptable after first full use, and MOUs in the plural. 'Letter of Agreement' (LOA) and 'letter of intent' are related but legally and functionally distinct document types; the terms should not be used interchangeably.
Usage
Usage note: Plural is 'memoranda of understanding', not 'memorandums of understanding'. Distinguish MOU from a contract (which is legally binding) and from an LOA. Ensure party names in the MOU are legal entity names, not programme names.
In Context
- "The co-responder programme required an executed MOU between the police department and the behavioural health agency before launch." — Programme implementation guide
- "Reviewers flagged the MOU because it referred to the hospital by its former name throughout Section 3." — Grant compliance review