The Mental Health Law was promulgated in 2001 and amended in 2018 respectively. The latest revision entered into force on April 27, 2018.

There are 85 articles in total.

The key points are as follows:

1.This Law shall apply to the activities of maintenance and enhancement of citizens’ psychological health, prevention and treatment of mental disorders and promotion of rehabilitation of patients with mental disorders that are carried out within the territory of China.

2.The personality, dignity, and personal and property safety of the patients with mental disorders are inviolable. No organization or individual shall stigmatize, humiliate, abuse, or illegally restrict the personal freedom of, persons with mental disorders.

3.The legitimate rights and interests of the persons with mental disorders in the aspects of education, employment, medical services, and material assistance from the government and society are protected by law.

4.The relevant entities and individuals shall keep confidential the name, pictures, address, employer and medical records of the persons with mental disorders as well as other information that could expose their identity, except when such disclosure is necessary for performing their duties in accordance with the law.

5.The government shall take measures to effectively promote psychological health and prevent mental disorders so as to improve the psychological health of the public.

6.The diagnosis and treatment of mental disorders shall follow the principles of protecting the lawful rights and interests of patients and respecting the personality of patients, and ensure that the patients can obtain good mental health services under existing conditions.