Ministry of Health tightens forensic psychiatric assessment activities

(Dan Tri) - Recently, in the fields of forensic examination, forensic psychiatry and compulsory mental health treatment, there have been a number of incidents that have caused outrage in society, such as bribery, bribery acceptance, falsification of psychiatric medical records, etc.

The Ministry of Health requires units to strictly implement the directive on strengthening forensic examination, forensic psychiatry and compulsory treatment (Illustration: Getty)

Tighten procedures, increase responsibility of leaders

On June 17, the Ministry of Health issued an official dispatch on strengthening management in the fields of forensic examination, forensic psychiatry and compulsory mental health treatment.

Accordingly, recently, the field of forensic examination, forensic psychiatry and compulsory mental health treatment has seen a number of incidents that have caused outrage in society. Specifically, bribery, bribery, bribery brokerage, illegal drug use in examination and compulsory medical treatment facilities, and falsification of psychiatric medical records.

Therefore, in order for this activity to be implemented strictly and in accordance with regulations; to correctly assess the medical condition of the subject of the appraisal, and to prevent negative behaviors from occurring; the Ministry of Health requires units to strictly implement the directive on strengthening forensic appraisal, forensic psychiatry and compulsory medical treatment.

The head of the unit must take full responsibility before the law if any violations occur.

The facilities receiving requests/requests from prosecution agencies, organizations, individuals and conducting appraisals must ensure objectivity, honesty, accuracy, proper procedures and regulations.

Appraisers must meet the standards specified in the circular on standards, records, procedures for appointment, card issuance, dismissal, and revocation of cards for forensic medical appraisers and forensic psychiatric appraisers.

The Ministry of Health also requires units to closely coordinate with local Party committees, authorities, and specialized agencies in the area, proactively implement contract signing, closely coordinate with medical units to conduct specialized examinations and paraclinical examinations; increase information exchange with investigation agencies and the Procuracy about the situation and appraisal results according to the request decision.

Preventing profiteering through mental health certificates

The Ministry emphasizes that appraisals will only be accepted when there are complete documents as prescribed; appraisal conclusions and appraisal objects will only be handed over to individuals and organizations in accordance with regulations.

Units also need to strengthen inspection and supervision of unit operations according to regulations, promptly detect violations and handle them according to authority (if any).

Compulsory mental health treatment facilities must strictly implement regulations on the implementation of compulsory treatment measures and professional instructions and regulations of the Ministry of Health; ensure complete records upon receipt; review and update internal procedures and regulations related to professional mental health treatment at the unit; develop a checklist for implementing management and treatment procedures at the unit...

These facilities also need to strictly implement regulations on managing patients undergoing compulsory treatment, not allowing patients to leave the compulsory mental health treatment facility or escape, ensuring 3 layers of doors, surveillance cameras, and establishing strict management procedures for visits and bringing personal belongings into the compulsory mental health treatment facility.

Psychiatric hospitals and medical examination and treatment facilities with a scope of professional activities in psychiatry that issue medical records summaries and health certificates (with content on mental status) must strictly comply with regulations on professional diagnosis and treatment...

The Ministry notes that it will not issue mental health certificates or mental health examination certificates according to self-designed forms; it will not organize health examinations with content confirming mental status if it has not self-declared that the medical examination and treatment facility is qualified to conduct health examinations according to regulations.

Leaders of units, groups and individuals must take full responsibility if they allow the issuance of the above documents to occur in violation of regulations, creating conditions for subjects to take advantage of these documents to have the prosecution agencies allow the accused and convicts to undergo psychiatric examination in order to evade or reduce criminal responsibility when committing crimes.

Source: https://dantri.com.vn/suc-khoe/bo-y-te-siet-hoat-dong-giam-dinh-phap-y-tam-than-20250617142812163.htm