The pilot program for community psychiatric care in mental health centers ends on December 31, 2024. As announced by the Health Ministry, these centers are to operate nationwide as of July 1, 2025. However, to date, key legislation has not been drafted to implement the new model of psychiatric care.
RPO: Lack of key legislation delays psychiatry reform. MZ indicates deadlines
Published Sept. 2, 2024 10:22
Ombudsman Marcin Wiącek, expressed his concern over the delays in preparing for the implementation of the new model. In a letter to Health Minister Izabela Leszczyny, he drew attention to the lack of amendments to the Law on Mental Health Protection and the regulation on organizational standards for mental health centers. The ROP called for a timetable for legislative work and consideration of the establishment of a new adult psychiatric care reform team to replace the abolished Pilot Office.
In response to these concerns, Deputy Health Minister Wojciech Konieczny, confirmed that the implementation of a new model of psychiatric care is a priority for the ministry. In July 2024, the Mental Health Council established a Team for the Transformation of the Psychiatric Care and Addiction Treatment System. The team is expected to make recommendations by the end of September 2024 on the necessary measures to complete the pilot and integrate its results into the mental health system.
The team's recommendations will be crucial not only for the completion of the pilot, but also for further efforts to reform the entire system of psychiatric care in Poland. The introduction of a new model requires cooperation with a wide range of experts, including employers, professionals, patients and their families.
Source: RPO
