Preventing prejudice by preserving the spirit of mental health legislation during the COVID-19 national emergency. (October 2020)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Ouliaris, Calina; Sheahan, Linda; George, Duncan
• Is Part Of: Australasian psychiatry. Volume 28:Number 5(2020:Oct.)
• Page Start: 500
• Page End: 503
• Publication Date: 2020-10
• Subjects: national emergency -- mental health legislation -- human rights; Psychiatry -- Australasia -- Periodicals; Psychiatry -- Periodicals; 616.89005
• DOI: 10.1177/1039856220928865
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1039-8562

Abstract

Objective: The COVID-19 national emergency activates legislative powers that allow a proportional infringement upon individual liberties. We canvas the complex legal landscape governing mental health consumers in this climate, highlight ethical considerations in application of the law and offer a simple algorithm to navigate this space. Conclusion: In times of emergency, it is crucial that we uphold the safeguards embodied within mental health legislation to prevent prejudicial treatment of mental health consumers.