Clinical guidelines & publications library
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Inquiry into the Voluntary Assisted Dying Bill 2021
Ethics, Voluntary assisted dying
RANZCP NSW Submission to the Inquiry into the Voluntary Assisted Dying Bill 2021 PDF Submission
Submission- Last updated: Nov 2021
- Published in New South Wales
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Social media guideline
Ethics, Professionalism
Guidance for College members on appropriate standards of behaviour and professionalism when using social media. PDF Ethics and conduct
Ethics and conduct- Last updated: Aug 2024
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Abolition of torture and other inhuman treatment
Ethics, Professionalism, Trauma
Our commitment to the abolition of torture, and to researching and providing effective, evidence-based rehabilitative and therapeutic treatments to survivors.
Position statement- Last updated: Nov 2018
- Published in Australia
- PS #32
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Apology for the role played by psychiatrists in the Stolen Generations
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander, Culturally safe practice, Ethics, Professionalism
The Royal Australian & New Zealand College of Psychiatrists apologises to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people for our failure as a group of doctors and psychiatrists to act early and effectively to prevent and reverse the disastrous practices of the Stolen Generations.
Position statement- Last updated: Apr 1999
- Published in Australia
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Children of parents with mental illness
Children & adolescents, Culturally safe practice, Ethics, Professionalism
Evidence-based interventions and preventative steps can be taken to support parents with mental illness, reduce risks to children and enhance their resilience.
Position statement- Last updated: Mar 2016
- Published in Australia
- PS #56
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Diagnostic manuals
Culturally safe practice, Diagnostic manuals, Ethics, Professionalism
Diagnostic manuals allow clinicians, teachers and researchers to ensure consistency in diagnosis. However, the complexity of patients’ presentations often do not fit neatly into diagnostic categories.
Position statement- Last updated: Sep 2022
- Published in Australia
- PS #77
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Family violence and mental health
Ethics, Family violence, Professionalism
This position statement describes the role of psychiatrists in supporting the mental health of people who have experienced family violence.
Position statement- Last updated: May 2021
- Published in Australia
- PS #102
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Involuntary mental health treatment in custody
Culturally safe practice, Ethics, Seclusion and restraint
Involuntary mental health treatment in custodial settings compromises clinical care, encourages inappropriate management of prisoners, and breaches human rights.
Position statement- Last updated: Nov 2017
- Published in Australia
- PS #93
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The mental health of veterans and defence force service members
Ethics, Military and veterans, Professionalism
The position statement outlines the necessary action to improve mental health outcomes for current defence force service members and veterans.
Position statement- Last updated: Feb 2024
- Published in Australia
- PS #99
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Recognising and addressing the harmful mental health impacts of methamphetamine use
Ethics, Illicit drugs, Professionalism
Amphetamine-type substances can be associated with acute mental effects and result in long-term harm. Psychiatrists have a leadership role in coordinating approaches to methamphetamine use.
Position statement- Last updated: Sep 2019
- Published in Australia
- PS #82
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Minimising and, where possible, eliminating the use of seclusion and restraint
Ethics, Professionalism, Seclusion and restraint
The RANZCP is committed to the delivery of quality mental health services that seek to improve safe practice and promote optimal outcomes to those receiving care.
Position statement- Last updated: Aug 2021
- Published in Australia
- PS #61
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Relationships between old age psychiatry and geriatric medicine
Collaborative care, Ethics, Old age, Professionalism
Old age psychiatry and geriatric medical services need to work closely together to ensure the best treatment and care of older people.
Position statement- Last updated: Oct 2022
- Published in Australia
- PS #31
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Pacific Mental Health in Aotearoa New Zealand
Culturally safe practice, Ethics, Families, whānau & carers, Professionalism
The position statement identifies RANZCP’s commitment to improving Pacific mental health and providing effective health care that meets the specific cultural needs of Pacific populations.
Position statement- Last updated: Jul 2022
- Published in Aotearoa NZ
- PS #108
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Patient–psychiatrist confidentiality: the issue of subpoenas
Ethics, Medico-legal, Mental health legislation, Professionalism
The use of subpoenas to access clinical records poses a risk to patient-psychiatrist confidentiality. Laws should be reformed to protect confidentiality in mental health care.
Position statement- Last updated: Oct 2016
- Published in Australia
- PS #89
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Principles for the treatment of persons found unfit to stand trial
Ethics, Forensic, Professionalism
Persons who are acquitted on insanity grounds, or who are found unfit to stand trial deserve effective, ethical care and management.
Position statement- Last updated: Nov 2020
- Published in Australia
- PS #90
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Psychiatrists, online presence and social media
E-mental health, Ethics, Professionalism
Psychiatrists who use social media should do so in a professional manner and refrain from comments they would not make in a personal or professional capacity.
Position statement- Last updated: Nov 2016
- Published in Australia
- PS #75
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Sexual orientation change efforts
Ethics, Historical practices, Professionalism
The RANZCP does not support the use of sexual orientation change efforts of any kind. There is no scientific evidence that sexual orientation can be changed. Sexual orientation change efforts risk causing significant harm to individuals.
Position statement- Last updated: Mar 2019
- Published in Australia
- PS #60
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Suicide prevention – the role of psychiatry
Ethics, Professionalism, Suicide
The RANZCP is committed to supporting people in suicidal distress and working with governments and communities to prevent suicides.
Position statement- Last updated: Dec 2020
- Published in Australia
- PS #101
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Voluntary assisted dying
Ethics, Professionalism, Voluntary assisted dying
The primary role of medical practitioners in end of life care is to facilitate good quality patient-centred care. This statement should not be taken as explicit or implied support of the legalisation of physician assisted suicide.
Position statement- Last updated: Sep 2020
- Published in Australia
- PS #67
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The mental health needs of children in care or at risk of entering care
Children & adolescents, Ethics, Professionalism
Children in care or at risk of entering care experience high rates of developmental and mental health problems, and therefore warrant special attention and priority access to multi-disciplinary mental health care that is competent in meeting their complex care needs.
Position statement- Last updated: Dec 2021
- Published in Australia
- PS #59