9 Information about the role of the National Council for Mental Health in monitoring and protecting patients

The Psychiatric Patient Care Law, in its recent amendments, approved by the House of Representatives, regulated the competencies of the National Council for Mental Health, and the law stipulated that the National Council for Mental Health shall undertake the following:

1- Supervising and overseeing regional mental health councils.

2- Follow up the implementation of the provisions of this law in mental health facilities.

3- Establishing policies that ensure respect for the rights and safety of mental patients.

4- Publication of periodic reports on his activities in accordance with what is specified by the executive regulations of this law.

5- Monitor conditions of entry, detention, and treatment of mental patients and ensure that they enjoy the guarantees and rights stipulated in this law.

6- Deciding on grievances against the decisions of the regional councils of mental health.

7 – Setting standards for the license issued by the Ministry of Health to manage and operate mental health facilities, and to renew and cancel them.

8 – The council shall have a technical committee of specialized doctors to view patients’ records when necessary, in accordance with what is included in the executive regulations of this law.

9- The council exercises the competences of the regional council for mental health in the governorates in which no regional council for mental health has been formed.

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