The Milli Majlis (National Assembly) of the Republic of Azerbaijan has adopted, in the first reading, a draft law introducing amendments to the legislation on psychiatric care.
According to the Operative Information Center-OMM, the proposed amendments to the law "On Psychiatric Care" were discussed during today's session of the parliament's extraordinary session.
Under the new provisions, if delaying psychiatric care for an individual involved in administrative proceedings poses a threat to their own life or health, or that of others, a psychiatric evaluation may be conducted without the consent of the individual or their legal representative. This decision will be authorized by the prosecutor overseeing the administrative case or by an official designated by the relevant executive authority.
Furthermore, the amendments mandate that the results of such psychiatric evaluations must be immediately communicated to the individual, the prosecutor, or the relevant authorized body. In cases where a person with a mental disorder is placed in a non-voluntary psychiatric facility pending a court decision, the facility's director is required to immediately notify the individual's close relatives or legal representatives, as well as the prosecutor or the relevant executive authority.
The legislation also introduces stricter safety protocols, stipulating that individuals undergoing compulsory medical measures must be treated in isolation from other patients. Psychiatric facilities will implement specific security measures to prevent actions that could pose an immediate danger to the patient or others, as defined by the relevant executive authority.
Additionally, the amendments integrate the electronic health card system into the field of psychiatric care. Information regarding a patient's mental health status and the care provided will be considered confidential and stored within this electronic system. Patients will be able to access their own health records through the system, while legal representatives may request this information in writing, with the facility administration required to provide it within two working days.
The Milli Majlis plays a central role in the legislative framework of Azerbaijan, responsible for drafting and approving laws that govern public health, safety, and administrative procedures. These amendments reflect the ongoing efforts to modernize the legal infrastructure regarding mental health and patient rights in the country.
Following the parliamentary debate, the draft law was put to a vote and successfully passed in the first reading.
