Federal Law on Mental Health was released by the UAE Government; protects the rights of psychiatric patients

The UAE government unveiled a federal law on mental health on Wednesday. It describes a number of penalties, including as imprisonment and a fine of not less than Dh50,000 nor more than Dh200,000, for those who break its laws and regulations. The new legislation provides the best physical and mental healthcare, in accordance with the most modern developments and practices in the area, and safeguards the rights of psychiatric patients.

The legislation aims to regulate the relationships between mental health patients and all parties concerned, in addition to providing the necessary medical care in accordance with the highest standards and practices. Along with promoting social inclusion and protecting the rights and dignity of psychiatric patients, the new law also aims to significantly reduce the negative effects of mental diseases on patients, their families, and society at large.

In all aspects relating to mental health, the patient, mental health facilities, and any other organisations in the country participating in the patient's psychiatric care—including those situated in free zones—are all subject to the legislation. It also redefines mental health and psychiatric patients in accordance with the latest practices and ideas in the area. The new laws prohibits the supply of mental health services without the relevant authority's authorization, as per legal standards.

Patients have the legal right to a thorough explanation of their rights at the mental health facility, as well as the opportunity to register complaints and grievances. Furthermore, the patient must get the required medical care and therapies in an environment that upholds their civil rights.

Patient's Rights:

The statute preserves patients' unfettered right to continue working while protecting them from mental, physical, or sexual abuse. Along with guaranteeing the confidentiality of all patient information and the steps taken to preserve it, the law also protects the personal belongings of patients in mental health facilities.

When patients are released from a mental health hospital, they are required by law to adhere to the mental and social care plans that have been created for them. It also explains how to appoint advocates to represent patients' interests both within and outside of the mental health facility, how to obtain health insurance that complies with current legislation, and how to gain access to education and recreational opportunities.

According to recognised medical standards, the legislation safeguards patients' access to prescription medications and mental health therapies. Clinical observations, treatment strategies, objectives, risks, benefits and drawbacks, timetable, and recommended next steps in an emergency or crisis must all be explained to the patient.

Under the newly adopted government directive, minor psychiatric patients will receive specific health guarantees based on their age and mental state. This includes the right to an education, the need for an accommodation to be maintained apart from adult areas, and the necessity that any procedure be accompanied by a social worker or psychologist's preparation.

Furthermore, age-appropriate health measures that are in the best interests of the child patient and take into consideration their age group are mandated by law.

According to the legislation, every emirate has to set up a special monitoring committee whose job it is to defend the legal rights of mental health patients. To ensure that patient rights are respected, a special committee has to be established at every healthcare facility.

Each emirate's monitoring committee will be in charge of overseeing mental health care facilities and ensuring that they follow the rules and procedures outlined in the decree; reviewing the reports from the patients' rights committee of the emirate and addressing complaints, grievances, and objections; and keeping an eye on the status of reports from mental health establishments regarding forced patient admissions.