Tamil Nadu invites public comments on Mental Healthcare Regulations 2026
Chennai: The Tamil Nadu State Mental Health Authority (TNSMHA) has released the draft titled "Tamil Nadu State Mental Healthcare Regulations, 2026", framed under section 123 of the Mental Healthcare Act, 2017. The draft includes definitions for key terms such as "Sheltered accommodation" and "Supported accommodation."
The draft regulations have been opened for the public to give their suggestion and objections, if any, on or before 30.04.2026. The same can be submitted either by email to tnsmha@gmail.com or by post to the address Chief Executive Officer, Tamil Nadu State Mental Health Authority, IMH Campus, Medavakkam Tank Road, Kilpauk, Chennai- 600010.
The draft specifies that Tamil Nadu State Mental Health Authority (TNSMHA) meetings should be conducted as per specified notice periods, quorum requirements, and could include tele-video conferencing participation. Decisions are to be made unanimously or by majority vote.
The Chief Executive Officer (CEO) must have a postgraduate qualification in psychiatry, should be selected by a committee for a term of three years, and be eligible for reappointment under the supervision of the Authority Chairperson. Staff appointments follow specified qualifications and reporting to the CEO, the draft mentioned.
Mental Health Establishments (MHE)
MHEs must adhere to minimum facility and service standards as specified in the Schedule; personnel qualifications include psychiatrists, doctors, clinical psychologists, psychiatric social workers, and nurses meeting recognized standards. MHEs are required to maintain detailed medical and admission records to be available for audits and regulatory review. Permanent registration applications must be submitted with a 20,000 rupee fee, evidencing compliance with standards by documentation and photographs. Objections to MHE registration can be filed within 30 days post-public notice, and final registration is granted by the State Authority after satisfactory fulfillment of criteria, with provisions for duplicate certificates.
Register of Mental Health Professionals
A digital register of practicing mental health professionals shall be maintained and updated monthly by the State Authority; professionals must register by submitting Form-VI with a 500 rupee fee.
Every year, as on 1st January, the State Authority shall publish, district-wise, a list of mental health professionals and must be displayed on the Authority’s website.
Minimum Standards for Mental Health Establishments
MHE categories defined include standalone MHEs, psychiatric departments, psychiatric wards in multispecialty hospitals, de-addiction centres, and psychosocial rehabilitation centres. Minimum common standards for all except sheltered and supported accommodations cover building structure, hygiene, comfort, food, human rights, record maintenance, fire safety, CCTV monitoring, and grievance redressal. Specific standards for categories A-C include adequate health professionals available daily, medical and paramedical staffing, proper equipment, and biomedical waste management certification.
Admission criteria for Category D and E MHEs require psychiatric evaluation to exclude severe mental or medical illness; such patients must be transferred to appropriate Category A-C MHEs. Sheltered and supported accommodation requires weekly visits by a social worker and attendant, plus rental agreement compliance. Detailed staffing norms by category specify ratios for psychiatrists, medical officers, nurses, clinical psychologists, psychiatric social workers, attendants, and housekeeping staff, with provision for substitutes where qualified professionals are unavailable.
