Principles

The 2003 mental health Act is based on a set of fundamental principles . These principles say that anyone who is providing care or treatment under the law must take into account:

• an individual's past and present wishes about their care
• the care and treatment that will be of most benefit
• the range of options available for care and treatment of the individual
• the person's individual abilities and background
• the person's age, gender, sexual orientation, religion, racial origin or membership of any ethnic group.