The Chief Psychiatrist has responsibility under the Mental Health Act 2014 (MHA 2014), to monitor standards of psychiatric care across the State of Western Australia. As part of this responsibility the Office of the Chief Psychiatrist monitors the use of seclusion (section 215-224) and restraint (section 230-240) practices in authorised mental health services in Western Australia.
It is a statutory requirement under the MHA 2014 that all seclusion and restraint events involving mental health patients in an authorised mental health hospital are reported to the Chief Psychiatrist as soon as practicable, ideally within 48 hours of the event.
Reporting episodes of seclusion or restraint
MHA 2014 Forms for reporting seclusion (Form 11A-11G) or restraint (Form 10A-10I) are available on the Mental Health Act Forms 2014 page.
WA Mental Health Act 2014 definitions
Seclusion (section 212): is the confinement of a person who is being provided with treatment or care at an authorised hospital by leaving the person at any time of the day or night alone in a room or area from which it is not within the person’s control to leave.
A person is not secluded merely because the person is alone in a room or area that the person is unable to leave because of frailty, illness or mental or physical disability.
Bodily restraint (section 227): is the physical or mechanical restraint of a person who is being provided with treatment or care at an authorised hospital.
Australian Institute of Health and Welfare definition of seclusion
The confinement of a patient at any time of the day or night alone in a room or area from which free exit is prevented. The purpose, duration, structure of the area and awareness of the patient are not relevant in determining what is or is not seclusion.