Public health emergency: COVID-19
The Office of the Chief Psychiatrist has plans in place to manage impacts on the provision of treatment and care to patients under the Mental Health Act 2016, in response to any future public health emergency (declared due to the COVID-19 virus outbreak).
The Chief Psychiatrist has available the following resource for authorised mental health services:
Legislative frameworks relevant to the management of COVID-19
This guideline provides guidance on the application of relevant powers under the Public Health Act 2005 to issue directions, enforcement and detention orders to reduce and contain the spread of COVID-19.
Considerations are also highlighted for the application of the Mental Health Act 2016, Guardianship and Administration Act 2000 and Powers of Attorney Act 1998 in relation to decision making for individuals with impaired capacity to consent.
Guideline (and flowcharts): Legislative frameworks relevant to the management of COVID-19 (PDF 2958 kB)
Queensland Health staff can find further COVID-19 specific guidance by accessing this page on QHEPS.
