Doctors alarmed by ‘rushed’ state laws to end restraints in mental health
Preferably, an 'authorised psychiatrist' must approve the use of restraints under the legislation.
The Victorian Government has enshrined a plan to eliminate physical and chemical restraints in mental health care within 10 years, but doctors warn the legislation has been rushed.
The state’s new Mental Health and Wellbeing Act, which officially came into effect on 1 September, calls for “a reduction in the use of seclusion and restraint with the aim of eliminating its use within 10 years”.
It does not set out consequences if the deadline is not met.
Instead, the Act says “restrictive interventions” must only be used “to prevent imminent and serious harm to that person or another person [or] in the case of bodily restraint, to administer treatment or medical treatment to the person”.
