❓ This WA parliamentary question addresses information sharing practices for mental health patients, particularly involuntary patients, including protocols for interstate transfers, family involvement, risk assessment, and procedures for missing patients. It highlights the application of the Mental Health Act 1996 and related guidelines.
AnsweredQoN 1553Legislative Assembly
QuestionView source ↗
(b) interstate?
AnswerView source ↗
Answered
21 November 2006
Responded by
Minister for Health
Response time
35 days
(b) for involuntary patients?
(b) involuntary patient?
Mental health services are bound by the Mental Health Act 1996 and the Department of Health Operational circular Confidentiality and Divulging Patient Information to Third Parties, which governs all staff involved in the provision of health care services or the handling of confidential patient information. (b) There is no specific protocol in regard to sharing of information between hospitals interstate. The processes outlined above also apply in these situations. The overriding consideration is the need to determine whether it is appropriate that the person requesting the information be provided with some or all of the information. The Mental Health Act 1996 and the Department of Health Circular outline the parameters for this determination. (2) Involvement of carers and families is sought as early as possible in any episode of treatment and care where relevant. The Mental Health Act 1996 guides the seeking of information, with the patient's consent, from family members and meaningful persons in the assessment phase of the patient's treatment. The Carers Recognition Act 2004 recognises the role of carers in the community and provides a mechanism for the involvement of carers in the provision of services that impact on the role of carers. (3) (a) Yes. (b) Yes. (4) Not applicable. (5) The Mental Health Act guides the process for informing the next of kin/meaningful persons when a patient is missing and this is reflected in mental health service protocols. (6) Yes. (7a&b)Risk assessments are conducted for all voluntary and involuntary patients, and include uncovering risk of absconding. Risk assessments are part of mental health service protocols and inform management plans for each patient. In addition, the Mental Health Division is currently developing a policy to specify the minimum standards for clinical risk assessment and management in Western Australian public mental health services, which will apply to all clinicians and managers in those services. This policy states the times when a clinical risk assessment is to be undertaken, including when there has been a significant change in the patient's status. A draft of this policy is being considered by the mental health sector with the aim of releasing the policy in early 2007. A training package for mental health staff will be part of the policy implementation. (8) Yes. (9) Involuntary patients are reported to police under the provision of the Mental Health Act 1996 , Subdivision IV, Division 2 Part 3 - Absence Without Leave. Voluntary patients are reported as part of the mental health service's duty of care. (10) Not applicable (11) The service will instigate the protocol for the immediate management of a missing patient, which will determine the point at which police involvement would be required. Services will contact the police where indicated by the risk assessment.
(b) There is no specific protocol in regard to sharing of information between hospitals interstate. The processes outlined above also apply in these situations. The overriding consideration is the need to determine whether it is appropriate that the person requesting the information be provided with some or all of the information. The Mental Health Act 1996 and the Department of Health Circular outline the parameters for this determination. (2) Involvement of carers and families is sought as early as possible in any episode of treatment and care where relevant. The Mental Health Act 1996 guides the seeking of information, with the patient's consent, from family members and meaningful persons in the assessment phase of the patient's treatment. The Carers Recognition Act 2004 recognises the role of carers in the community and provides a mechanism for the involvement of carers in the provision of services that impact on the role of carers. (3) (a) Yes. (b) Yes. (4) Not applicable. (5) The Mental Health Act guides the process for informing the next of kin/meaningful persons when a patient is missing and this is reflected in mental health service protocols. (6) Yes. (7a&b)Risk assessments are conducted for all voluntary and involuntary patients, and include uncovering risk of absconding. Risk assessments are part of mental health service protocols and inform management plans for each patient. In addition, the Mental Health Division is currently developing a policy to specify the minimum standards for clinical risk assessment and management in Western Australian public mental health services, which will apply to all clinicians and managers in those services. This policy states the times when a clinical risk assessment is to be undertaken, including when there has been a significant change in the patient's status. A draft of this policy is being considered by the mental health sector with the aim of releasing the policy in early 2007. A training package for mental health staff will be part of the policy implementation. (8) Yes. (9) Involuntary patients are reported to police under the provision of the Mental Health Act 1996 , Subdivision IV, Division 2 Part 3 - Absence Without Leave. Voluntary patients are reported as part of the mental health service's duty of care. (10) Not applicable (11) The service will instigate the protocol for the immediate management of a missing patient, which will determine the point at which police involvement would be required. Services will contact the police where indicated by the risk assessment.
(2) Involvement of carers and families is sought as early as possible in any episode of treatment and care where relevant. The Mental Health Act 1996 guides the seeking of information, with the patient's consent, from family members and meaningful persons in the assessment phase of the patient's treatment. The Carers Recognition Act 2004 recognises the role of carers in the community and provides a mechanism for the involvement of carers in the provision of services that impact on the role of carers. (3) (a) Yes. (b) Yes. (4) Not applicable. (5) The Mental Health Act guides the process for informing the next of kin/meaningful persons when a patient is missing and this is reflected in mental health service protocols. (6) Yes. (7a&b)Risk assessments are conducted for all voluntary and involuntary patients, and include uncovering risk of absconding. Risk assessments are part of mental health service protocols and inform management plans for each patient. In addition, the Mental Health Division is currently developing a policy to specify the minimum standards for clinical risk assessment and management in Western Australian public mental health services, which will apply to all clinicians and managers in those services. This policy states the times when a clinical risk assessment is to be undertaken, including when there has been a significant change in the patient's status. A draft of this policy is being considered by the mental health sector with the aim of releasing the policy in early 2007. A training package for mental health staff will be part of the policy implementation. (8) Yes. (9) Involuntary patients are reported to police under the provision of the Mental Health Act 1996 , Subdivision IV, Division 2 Part 3 - Absence Without Leave. Voluntary patients are reported as part of the mental health service's duty of care. (10) Not applicable (11) The service will instigate the protocol for the immediate management of a missing patient, which will determine the point at which police involvement would be required. Services will contact the police where indicated by the risk assessment.
(3) (a) Yes. (b) Yes. (4) Not applicable. (5) The Mental Health Act guides the process for informing the next of kin/meaningful persons when a patient is missing and this is reflected in mental health service protocols. (6) Yes. (7a&b)Risk assessments are conducted for all voluntary and involuntary patients, and include uncovering risk of absconding. Risk assessments are part of mental health service protocols and inform management plans for each patient. In addition, the Mental Health Division is currently developing a policy to specify the minimum standards for clinical risk assessment and management in Western Australian public mental health services, which will apply to all clinicians and managers in those services. This policy states the times when a clinical risk assessment is to be undertaken, including when there has been a significant change in the patient's status. A draft of this policy is being considered by the mental health sector with the aim of releasing the policy in early 2007. A training package for mental health staff will be part of the policy implementation. (8) Yes. (9) Involuntary patients are reported to police under the provision of the Mental Health Act 1996 , Subdivision IV, Division 2 Part 3 - Absence Without Leave. Voluntary patients are reported as part of the mental health service's duty of care. (10) Not applicable (11) The service will instigate the protocol for the immediate management of a missing patient, which will determine the point at which police involvement would be required. Services will contact the police where indicated by the risk assessment.
(b) Yes. (4) Not applicable. (5) The Mental Health Act guides the process for informing the next of kin/meaningful persons when a patient is missing and this is reflected in mental health service protocols. (6) Yes. (7a&b)Risk assessments are conducted for all voluntary and involuntary patients, and include uncovering risk of absconding. Risk assessments are part of mental health service protocols and inform management plans for each patient. In addition, the Mental Health Division is currently developing a policy to specify the minimum standards for clinical risk assessment and management in Western Australian public mental health services, which will apply to all clinicians and managers in those services. This policy states the times when a clinical risk assessment is to be undertaken, including when there has been a significant change in the patient's status. A draft of this policy is being considered by the mental health sector with the aim of releasing the policy in early 2007. A training package for mental health staff will be part of the policy implementation. (8) Yes. (9) Involuntary patients are reported to police under the provision of the Mental Health Act 1996 , Subdivision IV, Division 2 Part 3 - Absence Without Leave. Voluntary patients are reported as part of the mental health service's duty of care. (10) Not applicable (11) The service will instigate the protocol for the immediate management of a missing patient, which will determine the point at which police involvement would be required. Services will contact the police where indicated by the risk assessment.
(4) Not applicable. (5) The Mental Health Act guides the process for informing the next of kin/meaningful persons when a patient is missing and this is reflected in mental health service protocols. (6) Yes. (7a&b)Risk assessments are conducted for all voluntary and involuntary patients, and include uncovering risk of absconding. Risk assessments are part of mental health service protocols and inform management plans for each patient. In addition, the Mental Health Division is currently developing a policy to specify the minimum standards for clinical risk assessment and management in Western Australian public mental health services, which will apply to all clinicians and managers in those services. This policy states the times when a clinical risk assessment is to be undertaken, including when there has been a significant change in the patient's status. A draft of this policy is being considered by the mental health sector with the aim of releasing the policy in early 2007. A training package for mental health staff will be part of the policy implementation. (8) Yes. (9) Involuntary patients are reported to police under the provision of the Mental Health Act 1996 , Subdivision IV, Division 2 Part 3 - Absence Without Leave. Voluntary patients are reported as part of the mental health service's duty of care. (10) Not applicable (11) The service will instigate the protocol for the immediate management of a missing patient, which will determine the point at which police involvement would be required. Services will contact the police where indicated by the risk assessment.
(5) The Mental Health Act guides the process for informing the next of kin/meaningful persons when a patient is missing and this is reflected in mental health service protocols. (6) Yes. (7a&b)Risk assessments are conducted for all voluntary and involuntary patients, and include uncovering risk of absconding. Risk assessments are part of mental health service protocols and inform management plans for each patient. In addition, the Mental Health Division is currently developing a policy to specify the minimum standards for clinical risk assessment and management in Western Australian public mental health services, which will apply to all clinicians and managers in those services. This policy states the times when a clinical risk assessment is to be undertaken, including when there has been a significant change in the patient's status. A draft of this policy is being considered by the mental health sector with the aim of releasing the policy in early 2007. A training package for mental health staff will be part of the policy implementation. (8) Yes. (9) Involuntary patients are reported to police under the provision of the Mental Health Act 1996 , Subdivision IV, Division 2 Part 3 - Absence Without Leave. Voluntary patients are reported as part of the mental health service's duty of care. (10) Not applicable (11) The service will instigate the protocol for the immediate management of a missing patient, which will determine the point at which police involvement would be required. Services will contact the police where indicated by the risk assessment.
(6) Yes. (7a&b)Risk assessments are conducted for all voluntary and involuntary patients, and include uncovering risk of absconding. Risk assessments are part of mental health service protocols and inform management plans for each patient. In addition, the Mental Health Division is currently developing a policy to specify the minimum standards for clinical risk assessment and management in Western Australian public mental health services, which will apply to all clinicians and managers in those services. This policy states the times when a clinical risk assessment is to be undertaken, including when there has been a significant change in the patient's status. A draft of this policy is being considered by the mental health sector with the aim of releasing the policy in early 2007. A training package for mental health staff will be part of the policy implementation. (8) Yes. (9) Involuntary patients are reported to police under the provision of the Mental Health Act 1996 , Subdivision IV, Division 2 Part 3 - Absence Without Leave. Voluntary patients are reported as part of the mental health service's duty of care. (10) Not applicable (11) The service will instigate the protocol for the immediate management of a missing patient, which will determine the point at which police involvement would be required. Services will contact the police where indicated by the risk assessment.
(7a&b)Risk assessments are conducted for all voluntary and involuntary patients, and include uncovering risk of absconding. Risk assessments are part of mental health service protocols and inform management plans for each patient. In addition, the Mental Health Division is currently developing a policy to specify the minimum standards for clinical risk assessment and management in Western Australian public mental health services, which will apply to all clinicians and managers in those services. This policy states the times when a clinical risk assessment is to be undertaken, including when there has been a significant change in the patient's status. A draft of this policy is being considered by the mental health sector with the aim of releasing the policy in early 2007. A training package for mental health staff will be part of the policy implementation. (8) Yes. (9) Involuntary patients are reported to police under the provision of the Mental Health Act 1996 , Subdivision IV, Division 2 Part 3 - Absence Without Leave. Voluntary patients are reported as part of the mental health service's duty of care. (10) Not applicable (11) The service will instigate the protocol for the immediate management of a missing patient, which will determine the point at which police involvement would be required. Services will contact the police where indicated by the risk assessment.
In addition, the Mental Health Division is currently developing a policy to specify the minimum standards for clinical risk assessment and management in Western Australian public mental health services, which will apply to all clinicians and managers in those services. This policy states the times when a clinical risk assessment is to be undertaken, including when there has been a significant change in the patient's status. A draft of this policy is being considered by the mental health sector with the aim of releasing the policy in early 2007. A training package for mental health staff will be part of the policy implementation. (8) Yes. (9) Involuntary patients are reported to police under the provision of the Mental Health Act 1996 , Subdivision IV, Division 2 Part 3 - Absence Without Leave. Voluntary patients are reported as part of the mental health service's duty of care. (10) Not applicable (11) The service will instigate the protocol for the immediate management of a missing patient, which will determine the point at which police involvement would be required. Services will contact the police where indicated by the risk assessment.
(8) Yes. (9) Involuntary patients are reported to police under the provision of the Mental Health Act 1996 , Subdivision IV, Division 2 Part 3 - Absence Without Leave. Voluntary patients are reported as part of the mental health service's duty of care. (10) Not applicable (11) The service will instigate the protocol for the immediate management of a missing patient, which will determine the point at which police involvement would be required. Services will contact the police where indicated by the risk assessment.
(9) Involuntary patients are reported to police under the provision of the Mental Health Act 1996 , Subdivision IV, Division 2 Part 3 - Absence Without Leave. Voluntary patients are reported as part of the mental health service's duty of care. (10) Not applicable (11) The service will instigate the protocol for the immediate management of a missing patient, which will determine the point at which police involvement would be required. Services will contact the police where indicated by the risk assessment.
(10) Not applicable (11) The service will instigate the protocol for the immediate management of a missing patient, which will determine the point at which police involvement would be required. Services will contact the police where indicated by the risk assessment.
(11) The service will instigate the protocol for the immediate management of a missing patient, which will determine the point at which police involvement would be required. Services will contact the police where indicated by the risk assessment.
(b) involuntary patient?
Mental health services are bound by the Mental Health Act 1996 and the Department of Health Operational circular Confidentiality and Divulging Patient Information to Third Parties, which governs all staff involved in the provision of health care services or the handling of confidential patient information. (b) There is no specific protocol in regard to sharing of information between hospitals interstate. The processes outlined above also apply in these situations. The overriding consideration is the need to determine whether it is appropriate that the person requesting the information be provided with some or all of the information. The Mental Health Act 1996 and the Department of Health Circular outline the parameters for this determination. (2) Involvement of carers and families is sought as early as possible in any episode of treatment and care where relevant. The Mental Health Act 1996 guides the seeking of information, with the patient's consent, from family members and meaningful persons in the assessment phase of the patient's treatment. The Carers Recognition Act 2004 recognises the role of carers in the community and provides a mechanism for the involvement of carers in the provision of services that impact on the role of carers. (3) (a) Yes. (b) Yes. (4) Not applicable. (5) The Mental Health Act guides the process for informing the next of kin/meaningful persons when a patient is missing and this is reflected in mental health service protocols. (6) Yes. (7a&b)Risk assessments are conducted for all voluntary and involuntary patients, and include uncovering risk of absconding. Risk assessments are part of mental health service protocols and inform management plans for each patient. In addition, the Mental Health Division is currently developing a policy to specify the minimum standards for clinical risk assessment and management in Western Australian public mental health services, which will apply to all clinicians and managers in those services. This policy states the times when a clinical risk assessment is to be undertaken, including when there has been a significant change in the patient's status. A draft of this policy is being considered by the mental health sector with the aim of releasing the policy in early 2007. A training package for mental health staff will be part of the policy implementation. (8) Yes. (9) Involuntary patients are reported to police under the provision of the Mental Health Act 1996 , Subdivision IV, Division 2 Part 3 - Absence Without Leave. Voluntary patients are reported as part of the mental health service's duty of care. (10) Not applicable (11) The service will instigate the protocol for the immediate management of a missing patient, which will determine the point at which police involvement would be required. Services will contact the police where indicated by the risk assessment.
(b) There is no specific protocol in regard to sharing of information between hospitals interstate. The processes outlined above also apply in these situations. The overriding consideration is the need to determine whether it is appropriate that the person requesting the information be provided with some or all of the information. The Mental Health Act 1996 and the Department of Health Circular outline the parameters for this determination. (2) Involvement of carers and families is sought as early as possible in any episode of treatment and care where relevant. The Mental Health Act 1996 guides the seeking of information, with the patient's consent, from family members and meaningful persons in the assessment phase of the patient's treatment. The Carers Recognition Act 2004 recognises the role of carers in the community and provides a mechanism for the involvement of carers in the provision of services that impact on the role of carers. (3) (a) Yes. (b) Yes. (4) Not applicable. (5) The Mental Health Act guides the process for informing the next of kin/meaningful persons when a patient is missing and this is reflected in mental health service protocols. (6) Yes. (7a&b)Risk assessments are conducted for all voluntary and involuntary patients, and include uncovering risk of absconding. Risk assessments are part of mental health service protocols and inform management plans for each patient. In addition, the Mental Health Division is currently developing a policy to specify the minimum standards for clinical risk assessment and management in Western Australian public mental health services, which will apply to all clinicians and managers in those services. This policy states the times when a clinical risk assessment is to be undertaken, including when there has been a significant change in the patient's status. A draft of this policy is being considered by the mental health sector with the aim of releasing the policy in early 2007. A training package for mental health staff will be part of the policy implementation. (8) Yes. (9) Involuntary patients are reported to police under the provision of the Mental Health Act 1996 , Subdivision IV, Division 2 Part 3 - Absence Without Leave. Voluntary patients are reported as part of the mental health service's duty of care. (10) Not applicable (11) The service will instigate the protocol for the immediate management of a missing patient, which will determine the point at which police involvement would be required. Services will contact the police where indicated by the risk assessment.
(2) Involvement of carers and families is sought as early as possible in any episode of treatment and care where relevant. The Mental Health Act 1996 guides the seeking of information, with the patient's consent, from family members and meaningful persons in the assessment phase of the patient's treatment. The Carers Recognition Act 2004 recognises the role of carers in the community and provides a mechanism for the involvement of carers in the provision of services that impact on the role of carers. (3) (a) Yes. (b) Yes. (4) Not applicable. (5) The Mental Health Act guides the process for informing the next of kin/meaningful persons when a patient is missing and this is reflected in mental health service protocols. (6) Yes. (7a&b)Risk assessments are conducted for all voluntary and involuntary patients, and include uncovering risk of absconding. Risk assessments are part of mental health service protocols and inform management plans for each patient. In addition, the Mental Health Division is currently developing a policy to specify the minimum standards for clinical risk assessment and management in Western Australian public mental health services, which will apply to all clinicians and managers in those services. This policy states the times when a clinical risk assessment is to be undertaken, including when there has been a significant change in the patient's status. A draft of this policy is being considered by the mental health sector with the aim of releasing the policy in early 2007. A training package for mental health staff will be part of the policy implementation. (8) Yes. (9) Involuntary patients are reported to police under the provision of the Mental Health Act 1996 , Subdivision IV, Division 2 Part 3 - Absence Without Leave. Voluntary patients are reported as part of the mental health service's duty of care. (10) Not applicable (11) The service will instigate the protocol for the immediate management of a missing patient, which will determine the point at which police involvement would be required. Services will contact the police where indicated by the risk assessment.
(3) (a) Yes. (b) Yes. (4) Not applicable. (5) The Mental Health Act guides the process for informing the next of kin/meaningful persons when a patient is missing and this is reflected in mental health service protocols. (6) Yes. (7a&b)Risk assessments are conducted for all voluntary and involuntary patients, and include uncovering risk of absconding. Risk assessments are part of mental health service protocols and inform management plans for each patient. In addition, the Mental Health Division is currently developing a policy to specify the minimum standards for clinical risk assessment and management in Western Australian public mental health services, which will apply to all clinicians and managers in those services. This policy states the times when a clinical risk assessment is to be undertaken, including when there has been a significant change in the patient's status. A draft of this policy is being considered by the mental health sector with the aim of releasing the policy in early 2007. A training package for mental health staff will be part of the policy implementation. (8) Yes. (9) Involuntary patients are reported to police under the provision of the Mental Health Act 1996 , Subdivision IV, Division 2 Part 3 - Absence Without Leave. Voluntary patients are reported as part of the mental health service's duty of care. (10) Not applicable (11) The service will instigate the protocol for the immediate management of a missing patient, which will determine the point at which police involvement would be required. Services will contact the police where indicated by the risk assessment.
(b) Yes. (4) Not applicable. (5) The Mental Health Act guides the process for informing the next of kin/meaningful persons when a patient is missing and this is reflected in mental health service protocols. (6) Yes. (7a&b)Risk assessments are conducted for all voluntary and involuntary patients, and include uncovering risk of absconding. Risk assessments are part of mental health service protocols and inform management plans for each patient. In addition, the Mental Health Division is currently developing a policy to specify the minimum standards for clinical risk assessment and management in Western Australian public mental health services, which will apply to all clinicians and managers in those services. This policy states the times when a clinical risk assessment is to be undertaken, including when there has been a significant change in the patient's status. A draft of this policy is being considered by the mental health sector with the aim of releasing the policy in early 2007. A training package for mental health staff will be part of the policy implementation. (8) Yes. (9) Involuntary patients are reported to police under the provision of the Mental Health Act 1996 , Subdivision IV, Division 2 Part 3 - Absence Without Leave. Voluntary patients are reported as part of the mental health service's duty of care. (10) Not applicable (11) The service will instigate the protocol for the immediate management of a missing patient, which will determine the point at which police involvement would be required. Services will contact the police where indicated by the risk assessment.
(4) Not applicable. (5) The Mental Health Act guides the process for informing the next of kin/meaningful persons when a patient is missing and this is reflected in mental health service protocols. (6) Yes. (7a&b)Risk assessments are conducted for all voluntary and involuntary patients, and include uncovering risk of absconding. Risk assessments are part of mental health service protocols and inform management plans for each patient. In addition, the Mental Health Division is currently developing a policy to specify the minimum standards for clinical risk assessment and management in Western Australian public mental health services, which will apply to all clinicians and managers in those services. This policy states the times when a clinical risk assessment is to be undertaken, including when there has been a significant change in the patient's status. A draft of this policy is being considered by the mental health sector with the aim of releasing the policy in early 2007. A training package for mental health staff will be part of the policy implementation. (8) Yes. (9) Involuntary patients are reported to police under the provision of the Mental Health Act 1996 , Subdivision IV, Division 2 Part 3 - Absence Without Leave. Voluntary patients are reported as part of the mental health service's duty of care. (10) Not applicable (11) The service will instigate the protocol for the immediate management of a missing patient, which will determine the point at which police involvement would be required. Services will contact the police where indicated by the risk assessment.
(5) The Mental Health Act guides the process for informing the next of kin/meaningful persons when a patient is missing and this is reflected in mental health service protocols. (6) Yes. (7a&b)Risk assessments are conducted for all voluntary and involuntary patients, and include uncovering risk of absconding. Risk assessments are part of mental health service protocols and inform management plans for each patient. In addition, the Mental Health Division is currently developing a policy to specify the minimum standards for clinical risk assessment and management in Western Australian public mental health services, which will apply to all clinicians and managers in those services. This policy states the times when a clinical risk assessment is to be undertaken, including when there has been a significant change in the patient's status. A draft of this policy is being considered by the mental health sector with the aim of releasing the policy in early 2007. A training package for mental health staff will be part of the policy implementation. (8) Yes. (9) Involuntary patients are reported to police under the provision of the Mental Health Act 1996 , Subdivision IV, Division 2 Part 3 - Absence Without Leave. Voluntary patients are reported as part of the mental health service's duty of care. (10) Not applicable (11) The service will instigate the protocol for the immediate management of a missing patient, which will determine the point at which police involvement would be required. Services will contact the police where indicated by the risk assessment.
(6) Yes. (7a&b)Risk assessments are conducted for all voluntary and involuntary patients, and include uncovering risk of absconding. Risk assessments are part of mental health service protocols and inform management plans for each patient. In addition, the Mental Health Division is currently developing a policy to specify the minimum standards for clinical risk assessment and management in Western Australian public mental health services, which will apply to all clinicians and managers in those services. This policy states the times when a clinical risk assessment is to be undertaken, including when there has been a significant change in the patient's status. A draft of this policy is being considered by the mental health sector with the aim of releasing the policy in early 2007. A training package for mental health staff will be part of the policy implementation. (8) Yes. (9) Involuntary patients are reported to police under the provision of the Mental Health Act 1996 , Subdivision IV, Division 2 Part 3 - Absence Without Leave. Voluntary patients are reported as part of the mental health service's duty of care. (10) Not applicable (11) The service will instigate the protocol for the immediate management of a missing patient, which will determine the point at which police involvement would be required. Services will contact the police where indicated by the risk assessment.
(7a&b)Risk assessments are conducted for all voluntary and involuntary patients, and include uncovering risk of absconding. Risk assessments are part of mental health service protocols and inform management plans for each patient. In addition, the Mental Health Division is currently developing a policy to specify the minimum standards for clinical risk assessment and management in Western Australian public mental health services, which will apply to all clinicians and managers in those services. This policy states the times when a clinical risk assessment is to be undertaken, including when there has been a significant change in the patient's status. A draft of this policy is being considered by the mental health sector with the aim of releasing the policy in early 2007. A training package for mental health staff will be part of the policy implementation. (8) Yes. (9) Involuntary patients are reported to police under the provision of the Mental Health Act 1996 , Subdivision IV, Division 2 Part 3 - Absence Without Leave. Voluntary patients are reported as part of the mental health service's duty of care. (10) Not applicable (11) The service will instigate the protocol for the immediate management of a missing patient, which will determine the point at which police involvement would be required. Services will contact the police where indicated by the risk assessment.
In addition, the Mental Health Division is currently developing a policy to specify the minimum standards for clinical risk assessment and management in Western Australian public mental health services, which will apply to all clinicians and managers in those services. This policy states the times when a clinical risk assessment is to be undertaken, including when there has been a significant change in the patient's status. A draft of this policy is being considered by the mental health sector with the aim of releasing the policy in early 2007. A training package for mental health staff will be part of the policy implementation. (8) Yes. (9) Involuntary patients are reported to police under the provision of the Mental Health Act 1996 , Subdivision IV, Division 2 Part 3 - Absence Without Leave. Voluntary patients are reported as part of the mental health service's duty of care. (10) Not applicable (11) The service will instigate the protocol for the immediate management of a missing patient, which will determine the point at which police involvement would be required. Services will contact the police where indicated by the risk assessment.
(8) Yes. (9) Involuntary patients are reported to police under the provision of the Mental Health Act 1996 , Subdivision IV, Division 2 Part 3 - Absence Without Leave. Voluntary patients are reported as part of the mental health service's duty of care. (10) Not applicable (11) The service will instigate the protocol for the immediate management of a missing patient, which will determine the point at which police involvement would be required. Services will contact the police where indicated by the risk assessment.
(9) Involuntary patients are reported to police under the provision of the Mental Health Act 1996 , Subdivision IV, Division 2 Part 3 - Absence Without Leave. Voluntary patients are reported as part of the mental health service's duty of care. (10) Not applicable (11) The service will instigate the protocol for the immediate management of a missing patient, which will determine the point at which police involvement would be required. Services will contact the police where indicated by the risk assessment.
(10) Not applicable (11) The service will instigate the protocol for the immediate management of a missing patient, which will determine the point at which police involvement would be required. Services will contact the police where indicated by the risk assessment.
(11) The service will instigate the protocol for the immediate management of a missing patient, which will determine the point at which police involvement would be required. Services will contact the police where indicated by the risk assessment.
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