Mon Mar 31 11:51:09 UTC 2025: **Tamil Nadu Sets Minimum Standards for De-addiction Centers**
**Chennai, March 31, 2025** – The Tamil Nadu State Mental Health Authority has implemented new regulations outlining minimum standards for de-addiction centers across the state. These regulations, effective immediately, aim to improve the quality of care and protect patients from abuse.
Key provisions include a strict ban on physical, mental, and sexual abuse or violence. Physical restraint is permitted only in cases of imminent harm to the patient or others, requiring psychiatrist approval and detailed record-keeping.
The regulations also specify minimum staffing qualifications, mandating the presence of qualified medical practitioners, psychiatrists, social workers, psychologists, and registered nurses. Security measures include mandatory CCTV cameras in key areas, with recordings retained for at least one month.
Admission to de-addiction centers requires evaluation by a psychiatrist and the informed consent of the individual. The regulations categorize centers into comprehensive de-addiction centers and rehabilitation centers, outlining specific human resource and equipment requirements for each. Treatment encompasses both detoxification and rehabilitation services, addressing both acute withdrawal and long-term psychological, social, and behavioral issues.
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