The ACT Charter of Rights for People who experience Mental Health Issues [PDF 327kB] 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.