An overview of the latest research evidence from POST relating to the proposed reforms of the Mental Health Act 1983.
In 2022, the Government published a draft Mental Health Bill to amend the Mental Health Act 1983. This followed an in-depth Independent Review of the legislation published in 2018. The reforms are intended to enhance patient rights, choice and autonomy, and address racial disparities that have led to disproportionate compulsory detention and treatment of people from ethnic minorities.
These POSTnotes explore the research on four themes: race and ethnic inequalities, potential impacts on children and young people aged under 18, approaches to improve patient choice, and impacts on autistic people and people with a learning disability. Each briefing summarises proposals for reform, highlights relevant research evidence and presents stakeholder perspectives.
A POSTnote summarising proposed reforms to the Mental Health Act 1983, including research evidence and stakeholder views on the impacts on autistic people and people with a learning disability.
A POSTnote summarising proposed reforms to the Mental Health Act (1983) to improve patient choice, highlighting relevant research evidence and stakeholder perspectives.
A POSTnote that describes the race and ethnic inequalities in mental health, and Government plans to reform the Mental Health Act 1983.
The UK Government has published a draft Mental Health Bill to amend the Mental Health Act (MHA) 1983. This POSTnote covers how and when the MHA is used to treat children and young people aged under 18 (CYP) and stakeholder perspectives on the potential impact of the reforms on CYP.
