ASO,TSO, interventi d’urgenza: è cambiato qualcosa? Vecchie e nuove responsabilità professionali dello psichiatra

In light of the recent Autonomous Boroughs and Regions Conference and thirty years on from its passing as Law 833/78, we were brought once again to dwell on the themes of Compulsory Health Checks and Compulsory Health Treatment. In accordance to Law 833, decreed in 1978, CHT’s for patients with mental illnesses considered as being serious, acquired the ability to be able to treat patients under the rights for the protection of health for the individual. In view of the delicacy and complexities found in applying CHT and the margin for ‘interpretation’ regarding its procedures, throughout the years a very diverse and varied image comes forth of its application in accordance to standards, even within different branches in the same territory. And as a result of these differences new recommendations were laid out during the recent ABR conference. Here, in due respect to the recent and innovative discussions about necessary improvements to the procedures adopted in CHT and CHC, we will set forth our own thoughts on the subject highlighting especially the increased attention given to the protection of the fundamental rights of the individual, be they minors or persons with psychiatric disorders subject to protection. Despite these new guidelines, the everyday practical problems in providing the service remain largely ignored whether or not we are dealing with emergency services or, as is even more the case, where patient consent is unavailable even on a long term basis.