Section 5: Mental Health Commissions

5. Mental Health Commissions (1) There shall be for the purposes of this Act a Mental Health Commission in respect of each centre. (2) Each Commission shall consist of— (a) a Chairperson who shall be a public officer holding the office of Regional Health Director; (b) a Government medical specialist in the field of psychiatry; (c) 2 Government medical practitioners, one of whom shall have not less than 5 years’ experience in the field of psychiatry; (d) a member with special knowledge in clinical psychology or occupational therapy; (e) a member with wide experience in the field of social work or nursing; (f) a barrister-at-law of not less than 5 years’ standing at the Bar. (3) The members of every Commission shall— (a) be appointed by the Minister; and (b) hold office for 2 years and be eligible for reappointment. (4) Every Commission shall meet not less than twice weekly at the centre or at such other place as the Ministry may determine. (5) (a) Subject to paragraphs (b) and (c), the decision of a Commission shall be taken by a majority of all votes of all the members present and voting. (b) Three members, one of whom shall be a medical practitioner, shall constitute a quorum and, in the event of an equality of votes, the Chairperson shall have a casting vote. (c) No member of a Commission shall have the right to vote on any matter in relation to which he has been involved as a treating doctor. (6) The members of a Commission shall be paid such fees or allowances as the Minister may determine. (7) No member of a Commission shall be deemed to hold a public office by reason only of his appointment. (8) In this section, “member” includes the Chairperson.