Perspectives on the Mental Health Act 2014 (Vic). (December 2014)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Cross, Hannah; Rauchberger, Ilan; Kulkarni, Jayashri
• Is Part Of: Australasian psychiatry. Volume 22:Number 6(2014:Dec.)
• Page Start: 569
• Page End: 572
• Publication Date: 2014-12
• Subjects: law -- human rights -- legislation -- Mental Health Act -- Mental Health Tribunal; Psychiatry -- Australasia -- Periodicals; Psychiatry -- Periodicals; 616.89005
• DOI: 10.1177/1039856214555342
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1039-8562

Abstract

Objective: This article will consider the potential impact of Victoria's new Mental Health Act 2014 (Vic) from the perspectives of consumers, careers and members of the treating team. This article will examine how some of the more drastic legal reforms will impact clinical processes, procedures and decision making. Conclusions: The new Act takes significant steps towards empowering consumers. However, its practical application will take some time to appraise. Only time will reveal how the Mental Health Tribunal handles its newfound powers, whether consumers will benefit from a more collaborative approach to clinical decision making and ultimately whether the Act will empower consumers.