SIMON Corbell says the rights and entitlements of people with a mental illness and their carers have been more clearly defined by legislation passed in the Legislative Assembly today.
Simon says the Mental Health Bill 2015, combines with the Mental Health Treatment and Care Amendment Act 2014 to create the Mental Health Act 2015. This new Act creates a fresh approach to service delivery and brings the ACT’s mental health legislation into line with the United Nations Convention on the Rights of People with a Disability and the ACT Human Rights Act.
“This legislation is the result of years of consultation with people with lived experience of mental illness, together with their carers and clinicians,” Simon said.
“Through the legal strength of Advance Agreements and Advance Consent Orders, people with a mental illness or a mental disorder can now indicate the types of treatment they would prefer if they become unwell, appoint a nominated person to advocate on their behalf if they are unable to advocate for themselves and can make provision for issues that are important to them, such as the care of children and pets.
“The important role that carers play is acknowledged in the Act, including the need for clinicians to consult with the primary carer when considering ending a Mental Health Order.
“Special forensic provisions have been added to the Act to facilitate the efficient running of the Secure Mental Health Unit, which will open next year. A higher level of oversight is afforded in the legislation, including the provision for an administrative review when mental illness or mental disorder leads to offending behaviour.
“Under the new Act, provisions fall in line with other states and territories whereby authorised ambulance paramedics have the authority to apprehend a person suspected of experiencing a mental illness or disorder and to convey them to hospital for assessment.
“With the implementation of the new Mental Health Act 2015, ACT Health is committed to supporting service providers in their provision of high standard, professional treatment and care to people experiencing mental illness or a mental disorder.”
For more information on the new Mental Health Act 2015 go to health.act.gov.au.
The post Major changes to mental health in the ACT appeared first on Canberra CityNews.