Abu Dhabi: The Government of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) has issued a federal law on mental health that aims to protect patient rights and ensure the highest quality of mental health care.
This law concerns all mental health matters, including those in psychiatric patients, facilities and institutions, including liberated areas.
The law aims to regulate the relationship between psychiatric patients and their caregivers, while providing necessary health care based on best standards and practices, the Emirates News Agency (WAM) reported.
It also redefines mental health and psychiatric patients according to the latest practices and concepts in the field.
Patients now have the right to a comprehensive explanation of their rights within any mental health facility, as well as the right to lodge complaints and grievances.
The law ensures patients’ right to maintain their jobs without any restrictions and protects them from any form of emotional, physical or sexual abuse.
The law establishes patient care plans, medical insurance, education and recreational activities, and advocates for their rights after discharge from a mental health facility.
The patient is guaranteed access to psychotherapy and psychiatric therapy, and treatment plans must be fully explained to them.
Oversight committees in the emirate will oversee mandatory patient admissions, monitor facilities, confirm commitment to standards, review Patients’ Rights Committee reports and resolve complaints and objections.
The Patient Rights Committee of each emirate will protect the rights of psychiatric patients, resolve complaints and implement necessary measures.
The law establishes rules for voluntary substance abuse treatment and outlines the responsibilities of a mental health establishment.
The law imposes various penalties for violators, including imprisonment and a fine ranging from 50,000 dirhams (Rs 11,33,398) to 200,000 dirhams (Rs 45,33,593).
