Source: New Zealand Ministry of Health
Summary
The Ministry has published updated guidance to the Mental Health (Compulsory Assessment and Treatment) Act 1992, outlining the rights of compulsory mental health consumers and the obligations of mental health clinicians.
Compulsory treatment is intended to provide an entry point into services for people posing a serious risk of harm to themselves or others due to a mental disorder. This guidance is intended to promote the protection of compulsory mental health consumers’ rights by clarifying the responsibilities of mental health services and clinicians.
The Ministry has also published updated guidance describing the roles and functions of duly authorised officers (DAOs) and Directors of Area Mental Health Services (DAMHS).
