COVID-19 Standards Report – Panama
14/04/2022Immigration Law Commission
17/04/2022Do you know the new Mental Health Law in Panama?
Through Law 364 of February 6, 2023, the human right to mental health is developed and its national coverage is guaranteed.
The purpose of this Law is to develop the human right to mental health and guarantee its coverage and care at the national level by promoting, preventing and treating mental illnesses.
Its main objectives are:
- Protecting people’s mental health and well-being.
- Ensure respect for the dignity of people with mental illnesses.
- Ensure access to quality mental health care services.
- Ensure non-discrimination against people with mental illnesses.
- Prevent mental health conditions.
- Reduce suicide rates.
- Reduce stigma and prejudice related to mental health.
- Incorporating a human rights perspective into mental health care.
Relevant points of the Law:
- The State will provide free public mental health care services to all persons requiring mental health treatment.
- Insurance companies will not be able to discriminate against people with mental health conditions when taking out a life or health insurance policy.
- Private health centres that provide care to people with mental, behavioural and neurodevelopmental conditions may not refuse to provide psychological and medical assistance to people experiencing a mental health crisis.
- Public and private educational institutions at all academic levels, government organizations and public entities will plan and carry out educational programs that promote mental well-being, prevention of mental deterioration and awareness about people with mental health problems and those undergoing rehabilitation, especially when it comes to children and adolescents.
The Executive Branch will regulate this Law within a period of no more than six (6) months from its promulgation.
