Watchdog to create code of practice for using surveillance in mental health services
A code of practice is to be drawn up for the use of CCTV, GPS trackers and other surveillance technologies in Ireland's mental health services.
A public consultation process is currently underway by the Mental Health Commission, to seek the views of people who use mental health services about how the use of surveillance equipment impacts on them.
The views of family members, carers and friends are also being sought, as well as those of people working in the sector.
The Director of Regulation at the Mental Health Commission, Gary Kiernan, says surveillance technologies have advanced considerably in recent years, and their use has become 'a complex area' in mental health services.
He said: 'The Mental Health Commission wants to develop a code of practice that takes account of these technological advancements while encouraging and promoting good practices and high standards in relation to their use.
"This consultation is particularly concerned with how Ireland's mental health services should protect the rights of people who use mental health services, especially their rights to privacy and dignity. I would encourage all interested parties to engage and ensure their voices are heard.'
According to the commission, such technology is used to observe or monitor service users to 'inform their care and treatment'.
While CCTV is currently the most commonly used form of surveillance, other technologies being used include bodyworn cameras, infrared cameras, sensors, alarms, and GPS trackers. The use of such equipment falls under regulation 25 of the Mental Health Act 2001 (Approved Centres) Regulations 2006.
The Mental Health Commission says the purpose of the consultation is to identify key areas that the new code of practice should address.
It said: 'The Code of Practice will apply initially to inpatient mental health services. Its scope may be widened in the future to include community mental health services and community residences once the MHC's regulatory remit expands to include these services.'
The survey can be accessed online here. PDF versions of the survey may also be requested from standards@mhcirl.ie and returned via email or by post.
Focus groups and interviews with interested stakeholders will also take place, with interested parties invited to email standards@mhcirl.ie. The public consultation will close at 5pm on July 16.
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Suzanne Crowe: People with severe mental illness will be failed by proposed new law
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