Unterbringungsgesetz (UbG) Novelle 2023

The amendment to the Hospitalization Act has been in force since 1 July 2023. This has brought about some significant innovations, such as the distinction between patients with and those without decision-making capacity in treatment law and the explicit mention in the legal text of support for those affected by a so-called trusted person. This reform is characterized by the promotion of the self-determination of mentally ill people and tightens obligations regarding information, communication, and documentation of medical staff, who must make demonstrable efforts to involve patients and their trusted persons in treatment decisions. Several case studies will be used to critically discuss the legal changes and illustrate their feasibility, advantages, and disadvantages.