Under MHCA 2017, an Advance Directive made by a person with mental illness is INVALID in which of the following circumstances?

• A If the person refuses ECT in the directive
• B If the directive requests treatment to be given during a mental health crisis
• C If it requests a specific type of food during hospitalisation
• D If treatment specified in the directive is not available at the treating facility ✓

Explanation

Under MHCA 2017, an Advance Directive allows a person with mental illness to specify how they wish to be treated (or not treated) during a future episode when they may lack capacity. The directive becomes void or may be overridden in specific circumstances: if the specified treatment is not available at the treating facility; if it endangers the life of the person; if it harms third parties; or if it is contrary to national treatment guidelines. Refusal of ECT in a directive is valid, but a Mental Health Review Board can review and override it in certain circumstances. The directive cannot specify non-medical preferences like food.

Reference: Kaplan & Sadock's Synopsis of Psychiatry, 11th ed.

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Written and medically reviewed by the StethoPrep medical team.