Dan Neville
Question:109 Mr. Neville asked the Minister for Health and Children if patient consent is required to administer a drug to psychiatric patients. [8376/01]
Written Answers. - Psychiatric Services.
The guidelines on good practice and quality assurance in mental health services, published by my Department in 1998, state that the principles of mental health care delivery encompass the right to refusal of treatment and the necessity of informed consent. Under common law, the administration of physical treatment, such as medication, to a person without his or her consent is unlawful unless the treatment is urgently necessary.
I will propose an amendment to the Mental Health Bill, 1999, on Report Stage which will clarify the necessity of informed consent to treatment for persons who are admitted involuntarily for psychiatric care and treatment.