JEDDAH: The secrecy and privacy of psychiatric patients should not be breached; their personal information and data can be shared only by specified authorities, and then only for reasonable and justified purposes, a source was quoted as saying to a local publication. The publication stressed the existence of strict punishments for violators.
“The mental health system stipulates punishment for violators working in mental facilities or anyone else who discloses the secrets of mental patients. The penalties include imprisonment for a term not exceeding three months and a fine of SR50,000, or both,” said the source.
The system does not prevent imposing punishments without the victim filing a lawsuit as the penalties are stipulated in the system.
The system emphasizes the confidentiality of patient information. Exclusions are made only at the request of the public or local mental health council, the judiciary, or an investigative body. Such disclosure of information will be allowed based on written formal requests, said the source. The system defined the Bureau of Investigation and Public Prosecution as the body of jurisdiction within the judiciary which handles such cases with a special court imposing the penalties.
The mental health system is clear and explicit with regard to maintaining the rights of psychiatric patients, and has specific procedures and controls designed to promote mental health care, as well as rules and procedures for the practice of psychiatry in psychiatric facilities.
“The mental health system stipulates punishment for violators working in mental facilities or anyone else who discloses the secrets of mental patients. The penalties include imprisonment for a term not exceeding three months and a fine of SR50,000, or both,” said the source.
The system does not prevent imposing punishments without the victim filing a lawsuit as the penalties are stipulated in the system.
The system emphasizes the confidentiality of patient information. Exclusions are made only at the request of the public or local mental health council, the judiciary, or an investigative body. Such disclosure of information will be allowed based on written formal requests, said the source. The system defined the Bureau of Investigation and Public Prosecution as the body of jurisdiction within the judiciary which handles such cases with a special court imposing the penalties.
The mental health system is clear and explicit with regard to maintaining the rights of psychiatric patients, and has specific procedures and controls designed to promote mental health care, as well as rules and procedures for the practice of psychiatry in psychiatric facilities.
