The ACT Charter of Rights for People who experience Mental Health Issues (PDF, 326.16 KB) makes sure everyone who experiences mental health issues is treated equally and has access to high quality health care and social services.
Respect
You have the right to
- be treated with respect
- have your individual human dignity valued
- be free from unlawful discrimination
- ask to have a staff member of your own gender when receiving treatment
- have your individual needs respected in relation to your age, culture, language, disability, gender and sexuality.
Safety
You have the right to
- be safe when receiving treatment and care
- receive high quality treatment and care
- be treated in the least restrictive environment appropriate to your individual needs
- receive appropriate and comprehensive information about your treatment, including the side effects, in a timely manner
- obtain a second opinion about your treatment and care.
Communication
You have the right to
- be heard
- have a safe environment created that supports information exchange between you and your health care providers
- be informed about services, treatments, options and costs throughout your care
- ask questions regarding your care and have them answered in a clear and understandable manner
- communicate your views and preferences about your treatment and care options by using an Advance Agreement.
Access
You have the right to
- timely access to health and human services
- care that promotes independence and recovery
- choose if, and when, family, friends and other supports are included in your care
- access mental health care that is equivalent to care available in the community, if you are subject to the criminal justice system.
Participation
You have the right to
- live, work and participate in your community with equitable access to human services
- participate in decisions and choices about your care throughout all stages of your care and recovery
- receive information in a form and language that you understand
- have your Advance Agreement inform your care
- participate in mental health legal proceedings
- access independent advocacy and legal advice regarding your treatment, care and social needs.
Privacy
You have the right to
- protection of your personal privacy
- privacy and confidentiality of your personal information
- access your own health records in accordance with the law.
Comment
You have the right to
- comment on your care and to have your concerns addressed
- receive information on mechanisms of complaint and redress.