Information about the Mental Health Commission (MHC)
The Mental Health Commission (MHC) is an independent statutory body. It was established in April 2002 under the provisions of the Mental Health Act 2001. The MHC’s main functions are to promote, encourage and foster the establishment and maintenance of high standards and good practices in the delivery of mental health services and to protect the interests of persons admitted and detained under the Act (as amended).
The MHC’s remit was extended in December 2015. Under the provisions of the Assisted Decision Making (Capacity) Act 2015, the Decision Support Service (DSS) was established. The DSS will support decision-making by, and for, adults with capacity difficulties.
The MHC’s core functions (including the DSS) are as follows:
- Regulatory process
Monitoring mental health services and the registering and inspection of approved centres in line with legal requirements, including enforcement.
- Mental Health Tribunals
Protecting the human rights and interests of a person detained for care and treatment, specifically through ensuring the independent review of involuntary admission orders by a Mental Health Tribunal.
- Quality improvement
Encouraging continuous quality improvement, fostering high standards and good practices in the delivery of mental health services. Issuing guidance and developing evidence-based standards to improve service delivery and service user experience.
- Decision Support Service
Maximising autonomy for all relevant persons requiring support to make decisions about their healthcare, property and finances. Regulating individuals who are providing a range of supports to people with capacity difficulties.
Information on the MHC
The MHC makes available information on its website. Please click on any of the following links to find out more:
Pay and grading structures are in line with relevant Government Circulars
Circular 17/2019: https://circulars.gov.ie/pdf/circular/per/2019/17.pdf
Structure of the MHC - click on image below to enlarge.
Service Level Agreements and Memoranda of Understanding
The MHC has Memoranda of Understanding. These are as follows:
- Memorandum of Understanding between the MHC and the Health Information and Quality Authority (HIQA) dated 26 August 2013.
- Memorandum of Understanding between the MHC and the Health Research Board dated 1 January 2016.
A copy of individual Service Level Agreements and/or Memoranda of Understanding are available on request.