Abstract

Since 2018 Algeria has had a new mental health law intended to be more practical and in line with international standards for patients’ rights and supervision of coercive measures. Despite its simpler formulation compared with the previous law it remains far from what psychiatrists need and what patients hope for. Some chapters are confusing and difficult to grasp. Like previous mental health laws, it is unlikely that the current law will actually be applied, owing to the huge gap between the core text and the available services.

Highlights

  • Since 2018 Algeria has had a new mental health law intended to be more practical and in line with international standards for patients’ rights and supervision of coercive measures

  • Like previous mental health laws, it is unlikely that the current law will be applied, owing to the huge gap between the core text and the available services

  • The current law is more concise, its text is clearer and its chapters are more coherent than the previous law.[4]

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Summary

Chapter 1: General provisions

This chapter deals essentially with the rights of the mentally ill in relation to involuntary hospitalisation. Involuntary in-patients, their parents or their appointed legal representatives should be informed of the patients’ rights and can directly address the Departmental Mental Health Commission in case of litigation. A new amendment requires the approval of the Departmental Mental Health Commission to admit patients under 16 years or over 75 years of age. This departmental commission, which comprises a wali (appointed civil governor) representative, two psychiatrists and a member of an independent patient representative group (instead of a court judge under the previous law), monitors and supervises involuntary hospitalisation and reviews requests and claims (in case of litigation) in relation to mentally ill patients; its decisions are enforceable

Chapter 2: Hospital admission
Chapter 3: Supervision measures during involuntary hospital admission
Discussion

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