Under the Mental Healthcare Act (MHCA) 2017, which statement CORRECTLY describes Advance Directive provisions?
- A A person with mental illness may make an Advance Directive specifying how they wish to be treated or not treated during a mental health crisis when they lack capacity ✓
- B Advance Directives apply only to patients already involuntarily admitted
- C Advance Directives under MHCA 2017 require court approval before implementation
- D Advance Directives allow refusal of emergency life-saving treatment
Correct answer: A. A person with mental illness may make an Advance Directive specifying how they wish to be treated or not treated during a mental health crisis when they lack capacity
Explanation
Under MHCA 2017, any person may make an Advance Directive stipulating their treatment preferences for future episodes when they lack decision-making capacity. It must be signed by two witnesses and a nominated representative. The Advance Directive is binding on mental health professionals unless it endangers the person or others. It cannot override emergency treatment for life-threatening conditions (Section 5, MHCA 2017).
Reference: Kaplan & Sadock's Synopsis of Psychiatry, 11th ed.
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