Legislation and a number of different policies have been developed to promote the human rights of individuals with mental health needs or other conditions such as dementia. Here are some of the main ones you should be aware of:
- Human Rights Act 1998-Identifies the fundamental rights and freedoms that all individuals in the UK are entitled to.
- Care Act 2014-Puts a general duty on local authorities to promote the well-being of individuals.
- The General Data Protection Regulation 2016-Ensures that organisations maintain the protection of data by making sure that personal data is kept confidential.
- Safeguarding Adults National Framework-Is about promoting people’s welfare and keeping them safe from harm and abuse.
- Fundamental Standards of Quality and Safety-Describes the fundamental standards of quality and safety that people using health and social care services can expect.
- Mental Health Act 1983-Covers the assessment, treatment and rights of people with a mental health disorder who may not want to be treated.
- Mental Capacity Act 2005-Protects people who need care or treatment but may lack the mental capacity to make decisions for themselves.
You should take the time to look over this legislation and familiarise yourself with the policies as this legislation will affect the way you work and provide care in a number of different ways.