The New Zealand Health and Disability Commissioner: a comparative assessment of the commissioner's contribution to protecting the rights of mental health consumers.
The Health and Disabliity Commissioner's contribution to the protection of mental health consumers' rights is examined. This assessment covers a number of aspects. It includes the scope of consumer rights jurisdiction, the breadth of legal entitlements, protective mechanisms used, and the effectiveness of that protection. The Commissioner's role is also assessed comparatively. It is contrasted domestically with District Inspectors of Mental Health and internationally with Scottish and United Kingdom reform proposals. While analysis reveals considerable similarities, the New Zealand Health and Disability Commissioner is favourably highlighted in contrast with Scotland and the United Kingdom, particularly in the area of enforceability of mental health consumer rights.
Institute of Professional Legal Studies, Auckland, New Zealand.
Maria
M
Kazmierow
D026683:Advisory Committees; D003134:Commitment of Persons with Psychiatric Disorders / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence*; D003695:Delivery of Health Care / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence*; D006801:Humans; D008605:Mental Health Services / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence*; D028642:Persons with Psychiatric Disorders / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence*; D009520:New Zealand; D010344:Patient Advocacy / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence*; D028701:Patient Rights / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence*; D012606:Scotland; D006113:United Kingdom