| The Mental Health Commission published a revised Code of Practice on the Use of Electro-Convulsive Therapy for Voluntary Patients pursuant to Section 33(3)(e) of the Mental Health Act 2001 in October 2009. The Code of Practice came into effect in January 2010. |
| The updated Code of Practice replaced the previous version of the Code which first came into effect in January 2008. At this time, the Commission indicated its intention to keep the Code under periodic review and to revise it as required. The Code was updated following a review of the Rules Governing the Use of Electro-Convulsive Therapy as the Code in many respects, mirrors the provisions set out under the Section 59(2) rules. |
| The main amendments to the Code of Practice are indicated in the Memorandum on Key Revisions Contained in the Code of Practice on the Use of Electro-Convulsive Therapy for Voluntary Patients, Version 2. |
| click here to view the memorandum |
| The Commission is of the view that adherence to the Code will ensure that the rights of residents are upheld and that a culture of respect continues to be fostered within approved centres. |