An authorised hospital or mental health ward is a facility that is able to receive involuntary patients. In Western Australia, both public and private mental health facilities are eligible to be authorised.
The authorisation of a public hospital is made by the Governor of Western Australia at the recommendation of the Chief Psychiatrist. For private hospitals, authorisation is by licence and endorsement by the CEO of the Department of Health on the recommendation of the Chief Psychiatrist.
Authorised Hospital Standards
In order to be authorised, a hospital or mental health ward must meet a series of standards set out by the Chief Psychiatrist. These standards ensure that authorised facilities are built, staffed and operated to protect the rights of patients, maximise patient safety and provide optimal patient care.