ADMISSION AND DISCHARGE PROCEDURES – Types of Admission, Admission on Voluntary Basis, Admission under Special Circumstances and Admission under a Reception Order (Mental Health Nursing)
TYPES OF ADMISSION
The Mental Health Act (MHA) 1987 repeals Indian Lunacy Act, 1912 and Lunacy Act, 1977 (Jammu and Kashmir) and extends to whole of India. Under this Act, a mentally ill person means a person who is in need of treatment by reason of any mental disorder other than mental retardation
ADMISSION ON VOLUNTARY BASIS
Any person aged eighteen and above can voluntarily get admission for inpatient treatment. In case of minor (less than 18 years of age) mentally ill, can be presented for admission by the guardian as a voluntary patient
However, the medical officer in charge should be satisfied about the need for inpatient treatment
Even though these hospital admissions are considered ‘voluntary’ they are regulated by states to ensure that:
- Persons with mental disorders are sufficiently competent to make decisions of this kind
- In appropriate pressure or outfight coercion has not been exerted on a person already in custody to admit themselves, and
- The person is truly willing to seek treatment therapy improving the prospects for success
ADMISSION UNDER SPECIAL CIRCUMSTANCES
Admission to psychiatric hospital under special circumstances can also be made on request of a relative or a friend of the patient if the patient is not in a position to express willingness for admission as a voluntary patient, provided the medical officer in charge is satisfied that it is in interest of the patient to do so. This application should be accompanied by two medical certificates (one from a medical officer who is working in Govt. service) stating that the person has such mental illness that requires inpatient observation and treatment
ADMISSION UNDER A RECEPTION ORDER
An application for reception order may be made by the medical officer in charge of a mental hospital by the spouse or by a relative of the mentally ill patient for admission to the Magistrate. The application should be accompanied by two medical certificates from two independent medical practitioners certifying the need for admission for treatment and that it is in interest for personal safety of the patient or that of others. The consideration of the application should be made in the presence of applicant, the allegedly mentally ill person and the person appointed by the allegedly mentally ill to represent him. A reception order is valid up to 30 days or till discharged
