The Milli Majlis (National Assembly) has adopted amendments to the law "On Psychiatric Care" in the third and final reading, establishing new regulations for providing compulsory psychiatric assistance to individuals involved in administrative offense proceedings.
Operative Information Center-OMM reports that the legislation was 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 examination may be conducted without the consent of the individual or their legal representative. This decision will be authorized by the prosecutor or an official designated by the relevant executive authority handling the administrative case.
The law also mandates that the results of the psychiatric examination (the diagnosis) must be immediately communicated to the individual, the prosecutor, or the relevant designated authority. Furthermore, if a psychiatrist decides to place an individual with mental disorders in an involuntary psychiatric facility pending a court ruling, the facility's head must immediately notify the individual's close relatives, legal representatives, and the prosecutor.
The legislation introduces several key safeguards and procedural updates:
- Isolation: Individuals subject to compulsory medical measures will be treated in stationary facilities while being isolated from other patients.
- Security Measures: Psychiatric facilities will implement security protocols and regime rules to prevent actions that pose immediate threats to the patient or others, as defined by the relevant executive authority.
- Digital Integration: The electronic health card system will be applied to the psychiatric care sector. Information regarding a patient's mental health status and treatment will be considered confidential and stored within this electronic system.
- Access to Information: Patients can access their own psychiatric care records via the electronic health card system. Legal representatives may request this information in writing, with the facility administration required to provide it within two business days.
- Treatment Refusal: Records regarding a patient's refusal of treatment will also be integrated into the electronic health card system.
The legislative changes reflect Azerbaijan's ongoing efforts to modernize its healthcare legal framework, ensuring that mental health services align with international standards while balancing public safety and individual patient rights. Following the parliamentary discussions, the bill was put to a vote and successfully passed in its third reading.
