For GNM/BSc Nursing, NHM, AIIMS, GPSC Staff Nurse Exams
| Feature | Mental Health Act 1987 | Mental Healthcare Act 2017 |
|---|---|---|
| Focus | Custodial care | Rights-based approach |
| Consent for treatment | Not mandatory | Mandatory informed consent |
| Advance Directive | Not available | Available – patient can decide future care |
| Nominated Representative | Not present | Introduced for decision-making support |
| Decriminalization of Suicide | Suicide was punishable | Suicide attempt is decriminalized |
| Mental Health Authority | No clear structure | Central and State Mental Health Authorities established |
| Insurance for Mental Illness | Not mentioned | Mandatory coverage under health insurance |
| Electroconvulsive Therapy (ECT) | Allowed even without anesthesia | Restricted use – banned without anesthesia or in minors |
| Community-based Treatment | Not emphasized | Strong emphasis on community rehab and outpatient care |
| Emergency Admission | Could be done without rights protection | Time-bound admission with rights protection |
1. In which year was the Mental Healthcare Act implemented replacing the 1987 Act?
a) 2014
b) 2015
c) 2017
d) 2018
Answer: d) 2018
Rationale: Although passed in 2017, the act came into force on May 29, 2018.
2. Which of the following is TRUE about Mental Healthcare Act 2017?
a) Suicide is a criminal offence
b) No provision of advance directive
c) Consent is not required
d) Rights-based approach is ensured
Answer: d) Rights-based approach is ensured
Rationale: It ensures dignity, autonomy, and consent of the patient.
3. What is the role of Mental Health Review Board under 2017 Act?
a) Provide medications
b) Approve mental hospitals
c) Monitor and review admissions and grievances
d) Decide hospital budgets
Answer: c) Monitor and review admissions and grievances
Rationale: MHRB acts as a quasi-judicial body to protect patient rights.
4. Who can make an Advance Directive as per 2017 Act?
a) Only psychiatrist
b) Any person above 18 years
c) Family member
d) Government representative
Answer: b) Any person above 18 years
Rationale: Every adult has the right to decide their future mental healthcare.
5. What change did the 2017 Act bring in the context of suicide?
a) Death sentence for suicide
b) Mental illness not recognized
c) Suicide attempt decriminalized
d) No change
Answer: c) Suicide attempt decriminalized
Rationale: Section 115 states that suicide is presumed to be due to mental stress.
a) Promote human rights of patients
b) Provide insurance coverage to mentally ill persons
c) Custodial care and protect society from mentally ill persons
d) Right to make advance directive
Answer: c) Custodial care and protect society from mentally ill persons
Rationale: The 1987 Act focused on institutional protection and safety rather than patient rights.
a) Financial decisions
b) Future mental healthcare treatment
c) Property disputes
d) Criminal trial
Answer: b) Future mental healthcare treatment
Rationale: An advance directive allows a person to state preferences for mental health treatment in future.
a) MHRB
b) CMHA
c) WHO
d) NIMHANS
Answer: b) CMHA
Rationale: Central Mental Health Authority is set up under the 2017 Act to supervise at the national level.
a) Approving psychiatric hospitals only
b) Issuing medical degrees
c) Regulating and developing mental health services in the state
d) Appointing health ministers
Answer: c) Regulating and developing mental health services in the state
Rationale: SMHA oversees implementation and monitoring of mental health services.
a) Can be given to minors freely
b) Banned for all
c) Allowed only with muscle relaxants and anesthesia
d) Can be administered without consent
Answer: c) Allowed only with muscle relaxants and anesthesia
Rationale: ECT is regulated to ensure safety and rights of the patient.
a) Crime under IPC
b) Act of terrorism
c) Result of severe stress, not punishable
d) Punishable under state law
Answer: c) Result of severe stress, not punishable
Rationale: Section 115 decriminalizes suicide attempts assuming mental stress.
a) Right to education
b) Right to confidentiality
c) Right to access mental healthcare
d) Right to make advance directive
Answer: a) Right to education
Rationale: Education is not a specific right under this Act; it focuses on mental health rights.
a) Only psychiatrists
b) Anyone appointed by the government
c) Person of the patient’s choice
d) Hospital superintendent
Answer: c) Person of the patient’s choice
Rationale: Nominated representative is chosen by the patient to assist in decision-making.
a) WHO-ICD Guidelines
b) UN Convention on Rights of Persons with Disabilities
c) Geneva Convention
d) Universal Declaration of Human Rights
Answer: b) UN Convention on Rights of Persons with Disabilities
Rationale: The 2017 Act was designed in conformity with this UN convention.
a) Handles criminal cases
b) Approves building plans for hospitals
c) Reviews decisions regarding admission, discharge and treatment of patients
d) Conducts NEET exams
Answer: c) Reviews decisions regarding admission, discharge and treatment of patients
Rationale: MHRB acts as a quasi-judicial body to safeguard patient rights.
a) Group therapy
b) Informed consent from patient
c) Sedation without permission
d) ECT as first-line treatment
Answer: b) Informed consent from patient
Rationale: Consent is essential before initiating any treatment.
a) 12 years
b) 18 years
c) 21 years
d) No age limit
Answer: b) 18 years
Rationale: Legal age of adulthood is required to make advance directives.
a) Custodial care
b) Patient’s dignity
c) Institutionalization
d) Medical control
Answer: b) Patient’s dignity
Rationale: The older act focused more on control and protection than rights and dignity.
a) Insurance optional for mental illness
b) No insurance for mentally ill
c) Mental health insurance made mandatory
d) Private insurance companies excluded
Answer: c) Mental health insurance made mandatory
Rationale: Mental illness must be covered by insurers similar to physical illness.
a) Section 12
b) Section 115
c) Section 98
d) Section 25
Answer: b) Section 115
Rationale: Section 115 presumes suicide attempt results from mental stress and mandates care instead of punishment.