Last updated 1 May 2020

Two types of treatment are categorised as regulated treatment:

  • electroconvulsive therapy
  • non-ablative neurosurgical procedure.

Electroconvulsive therapy can only be given with the informed consent of the patient in the case of an adult or with the approval of the Mental Health Review Tribunal (ss 232–236 Mental Health Act 2016 (Qld) (Mental Health Act). However, electroconvulsive therapy can be given in an emergency situation, if certain procedures are followed, to save the patient’s life or to prevent the patient suffering irreparable harm (s 237 Mental Health Act).

Non-ablative neurosurgical procedures can only be performed with the informed consent of the patient in the case of an adult and the approval of the Mental Health Review Tribunal (ss 238–239 Mental Health Act).

It is a criminal offence to give these treatments other than as provided for.