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Haryana Overhauls Psychiatric Care and De-addiction Rules
14 Oct
Summary
- New regulations categorize facilities into six types for strict compliance.
- Physical restraints are now limited to preventing self-harm or danger.
- Mandatory patient registration on a de-addiction system is implemented.
Haryana has enacted the Mental Healthcare (State Mental Health Authority) Regulations, 2026, introducing a comprehensive six-category framework to govern psychiatric care and de-addiction facilities. These rules, effective from October 14, 2026, mandate strict compliance with standards for registration, patient safety, staffing, and treatment protocols across the state.
The new regulations classify institutions into six categories (A to F) and specify minimum infrastructure requirements, including proper ventilation, sanitation, and power backup. Crucially, the rules prohibit forcing patients to sleep on the floor and impose significant restrictions on the use of physical restraints. Restraints are now permitted only to prevent self-harm or immediate danger to others, requiring prior authorization from a medical practitioner and monthly reporting to review boards.
Standalone de-addiction units and emergency facilities must register all patients on the Haryana De-addiction Monitoring System Portal. This initiative, aligned with the Mental Healthcare Act, 2017, seeks to ensure standardized mental healthcare access and bolster patient safety and accountability throughout Haryana.
