Approved facilities and relevant legislative approvals

For definitions of terms used in these resources, please see the definitions table.

People with a mental illness or mental disorder may need to receive treatment or to be taken to either an approved mental health facility or approved community care facility, if that treatment or care is part of a mental health order, and/or if the person contravenes their mental health order.

The Mental Health Act 2015 describes two categories of approved facility:

  • For the treatment, care or support, protection, rehabilitation, or accommodation of people with a mental disorder (Community care facility) 
  • For the treatment, care or support, rehabilitation, or accommodation of people with a mental illness (mental health facility).

Approved mental health facilities and community care and in the ACT

Approved mental health facility

Facility But, NOT approved for Date of effect Reference
The Canberra Hospital   1 March 2016 Mental Health (Facility) Approval 2016 (No 1)
North Canberra Hospital (formerly Calvary Public Hospital Bruce)

Facility not approved for the following:

Section 80 – Apprehension
Chapter 8 – Correctional patients

1 March 2016 Mental Health (Facility) Approval 2016 (No 3)
Dhulwa Mental Health Unit   30 August 2016 Mental Health (Facility) Approval 2016 (No 4)
University of Canberra Hospital

Facility not approved for the following:

Section 80 – Apprehension
Chapter 8 – Correctional patients
Section 309 Crimes Act 1900 - Assessment whether emergency detention required

1 July 2018 Mental Health (Facility) Approval 2018 (No 1)
Gawanggal Mental Health Unit

Facility not approved for the following:

Section 80 – Apprehension
Chapter 8 – Correctional patients
Section 309 Crimes Act 1900 - Assessment whether emergency detention required

21 August 2021 Mental Health (Facility) Approval 2021 (No 2)

Approved community care facility

Facility But, NOT approved for Date of effect Reference
The Canberra Hospital   1 March 2016 Mental Health (Facility) Approval 2016 (No 1)
North Canberra Hospital (formerly Calvary Public Hospital Bruce)

Facility not approved for the following:

Section 80 – Apprehension
Chapter 8 – Correctional patients

1 March 2016 Mental Health (Community Care Facility) Approval 2016 (No 3)
Dhulwa Mental Health Unit   30 August 2016 Mental Health (Community Care Facility) Approval 2016 (No 4)
University of Canberra Hospital

Facility not approved for the following:

Section 80 – Apprehension
Chapter 8 – Correctional patients
Section 309 Crimes Act 1900 - Assessment whether emergency detention required

1 July 2018 Mental Health (Community Care Facility) Approval 2018 (No 1)

Relevant legislation and appointments

Reference Name
Legislation  
A2015-38 Mental Health Act 2015
2012-33 Official Visitor Act 2012
A2016-31 Mental Health (Secure Facilities) Act 2015
A1991-62 Guardianship and Management of Property Act
A2006-50 Power of Attorney Act (2006)
A1997-125 Health Records (Privacy and Access Act) 1997
   
Appointments  
DI2021-103 Official Visitor (Mental Health) Appointment 2021
NI2017-158 Mental Health (Advisory Council) Appointment 2017
NI2019-173 Mental Health (Care Coordinator) Appointment 2019
NI2019-765 Mental Health (Chief Psychiatrist) Appointment 2019
NI2016-43 Mental Health (Coordinating Director-General) Appointment 2016
NI2016-29 Mental Health (Officers) Appointment 2016 
NI2016-36 Legislation (Mental Health Care Coordinator) Delegation 2016
NI2016-35 Legislation (Mental Health Chief Psychiatrist) Delegation 2016
NI2016-34 Legislation (Mental Health Officers) Delegation 2016
NI2017-424 Public Sector Management (Mental Health) Delegation 2017)
Page last updated on: 3 Jul 2023