The potential unintended consequences of Mental Health Act reforms in England and Wales on people with intellectual disability and/or autism

The draft Mental Health Bill, which amends the Mental Health Act 1983 for England and Wales, proposes protections for people with intellectual disability and/or autism (ID/A) to prevent detention in hospital in the absence of mental illness. This editorial critically appraises the positive impact and unintended consequences of the proposed reforms for people with ID/A.

Automated summary

The draft Mental Health Bill proposes amendments to the Mental Health Act 1983 in England and Wales to protect individuals with intellectual disability and/or autism from being detained in hospital without mental illness. This editorial critically examines the potential positive impacts and unintended consequences of these proposed reforms for people with ID/A.