Published Mar 30, 2026 | 11:12 AM ⚊ Updated Mar 30, 2026 | 11:12 AM
(Representational image/Creative Commons)
Synopsis: The Tamil Nadu government released the Draft State Mental Healthcare Regulations, 2026, aimed at ensuring minimum quality standards for mental health services. The regulations also classify mental health establishments into five categories.
The Tamil Nadu government released the Draft State Mental Healthcare Regulations, 2026, aimed at ensuring minimum quality standards for mental health services and defining the qualifications required for personnel working in mental health establishments (MHEs).
The draft states that there should be no physical, mental, or sexual abuse or violence against inpatients receiving treatment in these facilities.
Under the proposed regulations, the Tamil Nadu State Mental Health Authority will maintain a register of practising mental health professionals in the state, which will be updated every month.
In addition, a district-wise list of mental health professionals will be published annually on 1 January.
The regulations also classify mental health establishments into five categories: Standalone mental health establishments, psychiatric departments of medical colleges, psychiatric wards of multi-speciality hospitals, standalone de-addiction centres, and centres for psychosocial rehabilitation.
The draft also outlines standards for patient living conditions. Patients must be provided with separate cots along with mattresses, pillows, bed sheets, and blankets. The regulations specify that the ratio of fans to beds should not be less than 1:4, and there must be a minimum distance of one metre between parallel beds.
In terms of sanitation facilities, there should be one toilet for every eight patients and one bathroom for every 10 patients. Facilities must include separate toilets and bathrooms for men and women, gender-neutral toilets, and accessible toilets for persons with disabilities.
The regulations further state that physical restraint may be used only when it is the sole method available to prevent immediate harm to the patient or others, and such action must be approved by a psychiatrist.
Every instance of restraint must be recorded in the patient’s case sheet and in a separate register, and the patient’s family member or nominated representative must be informed within 24 hours. The draft also states that inpatients have the right to request discharge at any time after admission.
The government has invited suggestions and objections from the public until 30 April 2026.
(With inputs from Veni EN.)
