The Mental Health and Wellbeing Act 2022 commences on 1 September 2023.
It redefines the role of the Chief Psychiatrist, broadening their jurisdiction to additional settings and practices of clinical mental health.
This includes new powers and responsibilities to:
- oversee forensic mental health and wellbeing services
- regulate chemical restraint
These changes were recommended by the Royal Commission into Victoria’s Mental Health System. They build a governance architecture that places consumers at the centre and supports the workforce to deliver safe and high-quality treatment and care.
Compliance implications for service providers
There are important compliance implications arising from the changes.
From 1 September 2023, clinical mental health and wellbeing services will have new reporting obligations to the Office of the Chief Psychiatrist. They will also be required to adhere to an expanded set of rights-based principles emphasising supported decision-making, dignity and autonomy.
The documents listed below outline these changes. They also highlight the compliance expectations that remain unchanged in the areas of clinical practice overseen by the Chief Psychiatrist.
This information will assist clinical mental health services prepare for the new Act’s commencement on 1 September 2023.
Factsheet - Changes to the Chief Psychiatrist’s statutory role and what it means for service providers
docx 134.22 KB
Factsheet - Changes to the Chief Psychiatrist’s statutory role and what it means for service providers
pdf 375.24 KB
Factsheet - Clinical governance
docx 147.55 KB
Factsheet - Clinical governance
pdf 403.3 KB
Factsheet - Custodial settings
docx 152.28 KB
Factsheet - Custodial settings
pdf 453.28 KB
Factsheet - Reportable deaths
docx 146.17 KB
Factsheet - Reportable deaths
pdf 385.77 KB
Factsheet - Electroconvulsive Treatment (ECT) and Neurosurgery
docx 146.49 KB
Factsheet - Electroconvulsive Treatment (ECT) and Neurosurgery
pdf 387.06 KB
Factsheet - Sexual safety
docx 150.21 KB
Factsheet - Sexual safety
pdf 459.53 KB
Reviewed 15 September 2023
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