Mental Health (Compulsory Assessment and Treatment) Act 1992

71 Right to company, and seclusion
  • (1) Every patient is entitled to the company of others, except as provided in subsection (2).

    (2) A patient may be placed in seclusion in accordance with the following provisions:

    • (a) seclusion shall be used only where, and for as long as, it is necessary for the care or treatment of the patient, or the protection of other patients:

    • (b) a patient shall be placed in seclusion only in a room or other area that is designated for the purposes by or with the approval of the Director of Area Mental Health Services:

    • (c) except as provided in paragraph (d), seclusion shall be used only with the authority of the responsible clinician:

    • (d) in an emergency, a nurse or other health professional having immediate responsibility for a patient may place the patient in seclusion, but shall forthwith bring the case to the attention of the responsible clinician:

    • (e) the duration and circumstances of each episode of seclusion shall be recorded in the register kept in accordance with section 129(1)(b).