The Standard provides clear guidance to service providers, the people who use services and their families, whanau as to what is expected from mental health services in New Zealand.
It is applicable to all mental health service providers and replaces the NMHS 1997 cited in current contracts.
Mental health organizations may also be contractually obliged to comply with the Health and Disability Sector Standards in addition to the National Mental Health Sector Standard.
The National Mental Health Sector Standard complements the Health and Disability Sector Standards (see Appendix B on centre pages) in the following ways:
(a) Provide a bridge between the NMHS 1997 and the Health and Disability Sector Standards so that recent progress made in implementing standards in the mental health sector is not disrupted;
(b) Reflect the language and realities of the mental health sector, in a manner that is compatible with the Health and Disability Sector Standards;
(c) Make provision for key areas in mental health development that are not covered in the Health and Disability Sector Standards; specifically, minimizing the impact of mental illness and reducing discrimination.
The Health and Disability Sector Standards in areas such as Organizational Management, Managing Service Delivery and Safe and Appropriate Environment cover additional requirements to the National Mental Health Sector Standard.
NZS 8143:2001 history
2001NZS 8143:2001 National Mental Health Sector Standard