Protective jurisdiction, patient autonomy and paramedics: the challenges of applying the NSW Mental Health Act

Date

2009

Authors

Townsend, Ruth
Luck, Morgan

Journal Title

Journal ISSN

Volume Title

Publisher

Monash University

Abstract

Paramedics form part of the frontline response to mental health care in the community. Changes to mental health laws across the country have seen an increase in the role and responsibilities paramedics have in assessing, treating and managing mental health patients. The increasing complexity of the paramedic role associated with these changes requires a clear understanding of the legal, ethical and organisational requirements that accompany them. This paper will examine the relevant legislative principles and ethical dilemmas that are raised by these changes and will demonstrate the need for further research to assist in the development and implementation of strategies to assist paramedics in providing optimal patient care to a vulnerable section of the community.

Description

Keywords

Keywords: health care delivery; health care policy; human; law; medical ethics; mental health care; mental patient; paramedical personnel; patient autonomy; patient care; review Education; Ethics; Law; Mental health, paramedics, policy

Citation

Source

Journal of Emergency Primary Health Care

Type

Journal article

Book Title

Entity type

Access Statement

License Rights

DOI

Restricted until

2037-12-31