The 'Mental Health Care Act' was passed during the year:

IGNOU PB Bsc Nsg.Entrance-2026

Forensic Nursing & Indian laws

Easy

Appeared in: IGNOU PB Bsc Nsg.Entrance-2026

Explanation

The Mental Health Care Act (MHCA) was passed by the Indian Parliament on April 7, 2017.
This modern legislation replaced the earlier Mental Health Act of 1987.
The primary goal of the 2017 Act is to provide mental healthcare and services while protecting, promoting, and fulfilling the rights of persons with mental illness.
A key feature of this act is the decriminalization of suicide, viewing it as a result of severe stress rather than a criminal offense.

Option B: The year 1982 marks the launch of the National Mental Health Program (NMHP), which aimed to integrate mental health into primary healthcare.
Option C: No significant mental health legislation was passed in 1910. The major law from that era was the Indian Lunacy Act, which was enacted in 1912.
Option D: The year 1947 is significant as the year of India's independence. While the Bhore Committee's report around this time influenced health policy, it did not involve the passage of a specific mental health act.

Clinical Relevance

Nursing practice connection: Knowing History of Mental Health Legislation in India helps nurses interpret findings accurately and avoid errors in routine assessment, medication administration, and patient teaching.
Nurses must be knowledgeable about the Mental Health Care Act, 2017, as it defines their legal responsibilities and the rights of patients.
The Act outlines procedures for admission, treatment, and discharge, including provisions for informed consent, advance directives, and the role of a nominated representative, all of which directly involve nursing practice.
Understanding the Act is crucial for patient advocacy, ensuring that care is delivered ethically and within legal boundaries, protecting both the patient and the nurse.

How to Approach the Question

First, identify the core subject of the question, which is a specific piece of legislation: the 'Mental Health Care Act'.
Recognize that this is a factual recall question requiring knowledge of important dates in Indian legal history related to healthcare.
Differentiate the 'Mental Health Care Act' (2017) from the older 'Mental Health Act' (1987) and the 'National Mental Health Program' (1982).
Evaluate each option. 2017 is a recent year for major legislation. 1982 is associated with the NMHP. 1947 is Independence. 1910 is close to the 1912 Lunacy Act. This process of elimination points towards 2017 as the most plausible answer for the current Act.

Concept Tested & Keywords

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