11 October 2023
The Law Society marked World Mental Health Day this week by calling for a government commitment to introducing the Mental Health Bill in the King’s Speech in November
The government introduced a draft Bill last year to reform the Mental Health Act 1983.
Law Society President Lubna Shuja said: ‘The proposed changes would increase the frequency of patients’ referrals to the Mental Health Tribunal and give them more rights to challenge their detention. There is a need to act now.’
The Bill also includes the introduction of advance choice documents setting out their preferences for care, allows patients to choose a nominated person to provide support, and increases access to independent advocates. It makes provision for statutory care and treatment plans, and requires mental health professionals to record the reasons for compulsory treatment and any restrictive practices.
