On 17 June the Committee of Ministers of the Council of Europe adopted the “Recommendation on respect of autonomy in mental health care”.
The Recommendation aims to ensure respect for the autonomy of persons receiving mental healthcare and to prevent the use of coercive measures. It reaffirms the principle of free and informed consent, as well as respect for the will and preferences of the person in relation to mental healthcare, whilst also underlining that any exception must be subject to strict legal safeguards. Additionally, the text stresses the need for ensuring equitable access to mental healthcare, including community-based care.
The Recommendation lays down a number of specific provisions in relation to:
Designing policies and practices, that reflect the principle of autonomy, involving persons with lived experience.
The provision of mental healthcare in environments that promote autonomy, ensuring that persons are informed of their rights. This includes the right to complain, assistance in the exercise of rights and ability to express and document preferences for future care.
Addressing stigma and preventing discrimination, including through education and training of health professionals.
Conducting regular reviews of practices with a view of ensuring respect for autonomy.
The full text of the recommendation is available at: https://rm.coe.int/09125948802c3067
