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HEA521 - Mental Health Law and Ethics

2023

Sector

Higher Education

Discipline

Nursing

Unit Description

This unit addresses legal and ethical issues pertaining to the intervention and management of people who have a mental illness or a mental health disorder. Students will develop an understanding of the relationship between law and ethics and be able to distinguish the two in practice. Students will engage in critical debate and reflect on their own values regarding the issues confronting the mental health consumer in relation to dignity, autonomy and supported decision making.

Text Book

Bookshop

Unit Learning Outcomes

1.	Critically analyse the historical underpinnings and theoretical models of mental health management in Australia.
2.	Examine the national policy on mental health in Australia.
3.	Critically evaluate the laws, policies and guidelines that influence the practice of mental health professionals and the impact on clients in diverse settings.
4.	Evaluate the legal guidelines governing the individual rights of those with a mental health condition in diverse settings.
5.	Explore the ethical theory and applied principles in mental health care.
6.	Critically reflect on own values regarding the issues confronting mental health consumers and service providers.
7.	Determine the legislative rights and responsibilities regarding social justice, equality and access for those with mental health conditions.
8.	Critically appraise the ethical and legal considerations when undertaking research in mental health.

Assessment Overview

	Assessment Task	Value (of total mark)	Related Learning Outcome/s
1.	Case study (1500 words)	30%	1,2,3,4,5,6,7
2.	Report (1500 words)	30%	1,2,3,4,5,6,7
3.	Essay (2500 words)	40%	1,2,3,4,5,6,7,8

Unit Availability

Year	Semester	Att Mode	Location	Learning Method	Timetable*
2023	Semester 1	External	External Studies	OLR

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OLR: Internet access is required for this unit as students are required to access study materials provided on-line through Learnline. Please log into Learnline on the first day of each teaching period. For more information about Learnline, please click here.

Critical Dates

Important Dates for Students

Fee Information:
Fees and Payments
Student Services and Amenities Fees
2023 Domestic Unit Fees (PDF)