The Scottish Government

The Mental Health (Care and Treatment) (Scotland) Act 2003 was passed by the Scottish Parliament on 20 March 2003 ( news release), and received Royal Assent on 25 April 2003. Explanatory Notes to the Act are also available.

The Act is a milestone in mental health law, and is bringing real benefits to people with mental health problems in Scotland, and those who care for them. It is making a major contribution to achieving the ultimate objective of mental health law -

to make sure people with mental health problems can receive effective care and treatment, in a way which accords with the Millan principles.

For information on the Bill's passage through Parliament see the Scottish Parliament website.

A list of all regulations laid to support the Act is also available along with a table providing a summarry of contents (please see content disclaimer at foot of this page).