Legal & Ethical Issues in Mental Health

Legal & Ethical Issues in Mental Health
By Dr. Hayder AL-Hadrawi

College of Nursing/ University of Babylon

Students Learning Outcomes

At the end of this presentation, learners will be able to:
1. Identify the ethical principles when caring for clients with mental health issues.
2. Identify the legal considerations when caring for clients with mental health issues
3. Apply both (ethical & legal principal) when caring for clients with mental health issues

Rights of Clients and Related Issues
Clients receiving mental health care retain all civil rights afforded to all people except the right to leave the hospital in the case of involuntary commitment (discussed later). They have the right to refuse treatment, to send and to receive sealed mail, and to have or refuse visitors. Any restrictions (e.g., mail, visitors, and clothing) must be made for a verifiable, documented
reason. These decisions can be made by a court or a designated decision-making person or persons, for example, primary nurse or treatment team, depending on local laws or regulations. Examples include the following:
• A suicidal client may not be permitted to keep a belt, shoelaces, or scissors
because he or she may use these items for self-harm.
• A client who becomes aggressive after having a particular visitor may
have that person restricted from visiting for a period of time.