**Executive Summary**
This document, published in the Tamil Nadu Government Gazette on March 12, 2025, outlines the minimum standards for De-addiction Centres in Tamil Nadu, as per section 123 of the Mental Healthcare Act 2017. It details registration procedures, admission guidelines, service categories, infrastructure requirements, staffing, medical record-keeping, and provisions for human rights. The regulations are called the Tamil Nadu State Mental Healthcare Minimum Standards for De-addiction Centres regulations 2025.
**Key Points / Main Content**
* **Registration:**
* De-addiction Centres must register with the State Mental Health Authority (SMHA) under Section 65 of the Mental Healthcare Act 2017.
* **Admission Procedure:**
* Admission requires evaluation by a Psychiatrist (Form A) to determine Outpatient/Inpatient setting.
* Inpatient care is decided based on the need for detoxification or rehabilitation.
* Admissions must be by a Registered Medical Practitioner with consent (Form B), or under Section 89 of the Mental Healthcare Act 2017 (Form C) for severe cases with harm risk, with intimation to the Mental Health Review Board.
* **De-addiction Services:**
* Includes Detoxification (medical intervention for acute withdrawal) and Rehabilitation (ongoing therapeutic services).
* **Categories of De-addiction Centres:**
* Comprehensive De-addiction Centres (approved for Detoxification treatment and Rehabilitation care) which include those attached to General, Psychiatric and Medical College Hospitals.
* Rehabilitation Centres for persons with Substance Use Disorders (SUD) (psychosocial intervention to reduce relapse), with protocols for managing acute medical needs.
* **Minimum Standards for Comprehensive De-addiction Centres:**
* Medical facilities to manage acute withdrawal and emergencies.
* Mandatory daily examination of inpatients by a Psychiatrist during detoxification.
* Specific Human Resource requirements (Medical Practitioner, Staff Nurse, Attendant, Social Worker, Psychologist)
* Equipment as per Form D.
* **Minimum Standards for Rehabilitation Centres for Persons with SUD:**
* Psychiatrist visits at least once per week.
* Qualified medical practitioner should examine patients daily.
* Specific Human Resource requirements (Nurse, Social Worker, Psychologist, Attendant).
* Equipment as per Form E.
* **Minimum Standards Common to Both Types of Centres (Infrastructure, Sanitation, etc.):**
* Appropriate certificates for public buildings.
* Separate accommodation for males and females.
* Individual cots, mattresses, and linen.
* Nursing station.
* Minimum one-meter cot distance.
* Individual lockers.
* Adequate bathrooms/toilets.
* Safe electrical connections and lighting.
* Recreation facilities.
* Adequate ventilation and safe water.
* Adequate recreation space.
* Toiletry kit for each patient.
* Daily premise cleaning.
* Adequate water for sanitation.
* Pest control and mosquito nets.
* Daily linen cleaning.
* Safe biomedical waste disposal.
* **Staff Qualifications:**
* Minimum qualifications for staff, including Medical Practitioner, Psychiatrist, Social Worker, Psychologist, and Registered Nurse.
* Compliance with Minimum Wages Act.
* **Food and Water:**
* Food safety norms must be followed and a certificate obtained.
* Food served in a comfortable manner.
* **Medical Records:**
* Specific registers to be maintained (Admissions, Nominal, Treatment, Drug, Injuries, etc.) and preserved for five years.
* Treatment register as per Form-F
* **CCTV Monitoring:**
* CCTV cameras in specified areas with minimum 1 month retention of recordings.
* **Human Rights and Dignity:**
* Prohibition of abuse or violence.
* Guidelines for physical restraint (Psychiatrist approval, record-keeping, notification of family).
* Remuneration for patient work (with consent).
* Freedom for inpatients to meet family during visiting hours and to request discharge.
* Emphasis on family involvement in treatment.
* Display of service list and grievance redressal mechanism.
**Impact Analysis**
**Stakeholder: De-addiction Centre Administrators and Staff**
* **Impact:** Need to comply with new minimum standards for registration, admission, service provision, infrastructure, staffing, record-keeping, and ethical conduct.
* **Action Required:** Register the centre with the SMHA; review and update policies, procedures, and facilities to meet all standards; ensure staff meet qualification requirements; implement necessary training; and establish processes for monitoring compliance.
**Stakeholder: Psychiatrists and Medical Practitioners**
* **Impact:** Involvement in patient evaluation, admission decisions, treatment planning, and oversight of physical restraints.
* **Action Required:** Follow admission procedures outlined in Forms A, B, and C; provide regular consultation and review of patients; and ensure appropriate documentation.
**Stakeholder: Patients with Substance Use Disorder (SUD) and their Families**
* **Impact:** Standardized care in De-addiction Centres; access to treatment aligned with their needs; protection of rights and dignity.
* **Action Required:** Provide informed consent for treatment; actively participate in the treatment process; and utilize the grievance redressal mechanism if needed.
**Stakeholder: State Mental Health Authority (SMHA)**
* **Impact:** Oversight and enforcement of minimum standards for De-addiction Centres.
* **Action Required:** Develop and implement a registration process; conduct inspections to ensure compliance; and address any violations of the regulations.
Key Entities Referenced
Mental Healthcare Act 2017 : Governing law for de-addiction center regulations in Tamil Nadu
Tamil Nadu State Mental Health Authority : Authority responsible for registration and oversight of de-addiction centers in Tamil Nadu
De-addiction Centres : The primary subject of the regulations, outlining minimum standards for their operation in Tamil Nadu.
Comprehensive De-addiction Centres : A specific category of de-addiction centers in Tamil Nadu approved for detoxification treatment.
Rehabilitation Centres for persons with SUD : A specific category of de-addiction centers in Tamil Nadu, providing psychosocial interventions.
See Full Document Text
© [Regd. No. TN/CCN/467/2012-14.
GOVERNMENT OF TAMIL NADU [R. Dis. No. 197/2009.
2025 [Price: Rs. 4.80 Paise
TAMIL NADU
GOVERNMENT GAZETTE
PUBLISHED BY AUTHORITY
No. 10] CHENNAI, WEDNESDAY, MARCH 12, 2025
Maasi 28, Kurothi, Thiruvalluvar Aandu–2056
Part III—Section 2
Statutory Notifications and Orders issued by
Heads of Departments.
NOTIFICATIONS BY HEADS OF DEPARTMENTS, ETC.
CONTENTS
Pages.
TAMIL NADU STATE MENTAL HEALTH AUTHORITY, CHENNAI-10.
Minimum Standards for De-addiction Centres in Tamil Nadu. .. .. .. 166-176
[165]
DTP—III-2 (10)166 TAMIL NADU GOVERNMENT GAZETTE [Part III—Sec. 2
NOTIFICATIONS BY HEADS OF DEPARTMENTS, ETC.
TAMIL NADU STATE MENTAL HEALTH AUTHORITY, CHENNAI-10.
Minimum Standards for De-addiction Centres in Tamil Nadu.
(Ref.No.306/A3/SMHA/2024)
No. SRO C - 9/2025.
These regulations may be called the Tamil Nadu State Mental Healthcare Minimum Standards for De-addiction
Centres regulations 2025.
The following Minimum Standards relating to the administration of De-addiction Centres in Tamil Nadu are
framed under section 123 of the Mental Healthcare Act 2017.
Registration:
1. De-addiction Centres should be registered with the State Mental Health Authority (SMHA) under
Section 65 of the Mental Healthcare Act 2017.
Admission procedure:
2. A person with Substance Use Disorder (SUD) can be admitted in a De-addiction Centre only after
evaluation by a Psychiatrist (Form A). The Psychiatrist should decide about the treatment either in Outpatient or
Inpatient setting. If the person requires inpatient care, then decide whether detoxification treatment or inpatient
rehabilitation treatment. If the person requires inpatient detoxification treatment. then the person can be admitted
only in a De-addiction Centre approved for detoxification treatment. A person with Substance Use Disorder can
be admitted to or transferred to the rehabilitation Centre only after getting approval from a Psychiatrist.
3. Admissions in a De-addiction Centre should be made by a Registered Medical Practitioner with the
consent of the person (Form B) or when the dependence to the substance is severe to the level of impairing
the capacity of the person to take treatment decisions, and there is a risk of harm to himself due to continuous
and excessive substance use, such person can be admitted under section 89 of the Mental Healthcare Act 2017
(Form C). Such admission under sec eighty-nine must be intimated to the Mental Health Review Board.
De-addiction Services includes Detoxification and Rehabilitation
4. Detoxification treatment is a medical intervenfion that manages an individual safely through the process
of acute withdrawal. The first week of acute withdrawal requires emergency medical management of life-threatening
intoxication and related medical problems.
5. Rehabilitation treatment involves a constellation of on-going therapeutic services intended to promote the
recovery for substance abuse patients, designed to resolve the longstanding psychological, social, and behavioral
problems associated with alcohol and drug abuse.
6. Categories: De-addiction Centres are categorised into two:
i) Comprehensive De-addiction Centres.
ii) Rehabilitation Centres for persons with Substance Use Disorders (SUD)
i) Comprehensive De-addiction Centres.
Comprehensive De-addiction Centres in Tamil Nadu is the approved Centre for Detoxification treatment.
De-addiction services in these Centres include Detoxification treatment and Rehabilitation care. These
De-addiction Centres attached to General Hospital, Psychiatric Hospital, Medical College Hospital,
and standalone De-addiction Centres will be categorised under Comprehensive De-addiction Centres
and registered accordingly.
The Hospitals registered under Clinical Establishment Act, providing acute medical care can provide
detoxification treatment for Substance Use Disorders with consultation by a Psychiatrist.
ii) Rehabilitation Centres for persons with SUD.
These Centres provide psychosocial intervention to reduce relapse following detoxification and
treatment of acute medical conditions. When a patient requiring such acute medical care attends a
rehabilitation Centre directly, he/she should be provided First aid and referred to a medical facility
immediately. When a person in a rehabilitation Centre develops medical / psychiatric emergencies,
he / she shall be shifted to a medical care facility without delay. The list of rehabilitation services
being provided by the rehabilitation Centre should be displayed prominently.Mar. 12, 2025] TAMIL NADU GOVERNMENT GAZETTE 167
MINIMUM STANDARDS:
7. Comprehensive De-addiction Centres:
Comprehensive De-addiction Centres should have medical facilities to manage acute withdrawal state and
medical complications developing during the detoxification period. In case, any severe medical emergency arises,
the patient shall be shifted from the Centre to Intensive Medical Care Facility (IMCU) or to a nearby hospital with
IMCU. One Psychiatrist must examine all inpatients on the day of admission and review daily during the initial
detoxification phase. Following detoxification phase, Psychiatrist shall decide the frequency of review psychiatric
consultation. based on the clinical condition of each patient
Human Resource and Equipment:
8. One qualified Medical Practitioner with minimum MBBS Qualification should examine all the patients
daily and be available on call 24x7.
9. One registered staff nurse should be present round the clock for every thirty beds.
10. One Attendant should be available for every twenty beds per shift.
11. One Social Worker per Centre, for upto fifty beds, shall be available to provid psychosocial
interventions daily.
12. One Psychologist (M.Sc., Psychology, or its equivalent degree) for upto fifty beds shall be available
to provide counselling.
13. The list of equipment which shall be available in a Comprehensive De-addiction Centre is given
in Form D.
Rehabilitation Centres for Persons with SUD:
Human Resource and equipment
14. One Psychiatrist shall visit the Centre at least once a week to provide Psychiatric consultation.
15. One qualified medical practitioner with MBBS Qualification shall visit the Centre to examine all
patients daily.
16. One registered nurse for upto fifty beds shall be present on all days round the clock.
17. One Social Worker for upto fifty beds shall be available to provide psychosocial interventions daily.
18. One Psychologist for every fifty patients shall be available to provide counselling
19. One Attendant for every twenty patients round the clock and there should be only female attendants
for female patients.
20. The list of equipment which shall be available is given in Form E.
Minimum Standards common for both Comprehensive De-addiction Centre and Rehabilitation Centre
for persons with SUD.
Other Infrastructure:
21. Appropriate certificates from concerned authorities needed for public building to be obtained.
22. There shall be separate accommodation for female and male patients.
23. Separate cots, mattresses, pillows, and bed linen shall be provided for each patient.
24. Each Centre shall have a nursing station with facilities for storing drugs, linen and safe keeping
of patients' records.
25. There shall be a minimum of one metre distance between the cots.
26. Each patient shall be provided with a locker to store personal belongings.
27. There shall be adequate number of bathrooms and toilets for every ten patients.
28. Each Centre shall have safe electric connection and adequate lighting. Adequate number of fans
and lights shall be provided.
29. Facilities for recreation such as radio, television and indoor games shall be made available in the
Centre.
30. There shall be adequate and proper ventilation and safe drinking water supply.
31. There should be adequate space for recreation, group therapy etc.
Sanitation:
32. Every patient should be provided with a toiletry kit.
33. Cleaning of the premises should be done daily.
34. Adequate availability of water for wash basins, bathrooms, and toilets should be ensured.168 TAMIL NADU GOVERNMENT GAZETTE [Part III—Sec. 2
35. Periodic pest control should be done and fixing of wire meshes/mosquito nets on all doors and
windows should be provided.
36. Cleaning and changing the linen should be done daily.
37. Adequate arrangements for safe disposal of biomedical waste should be made.
Staff:
38. The minimum qualifications for the personnel engaged in the De-addiction Centre will be, qualified
Medical Practitioner (MBBS), Psychiatrist (DPM or MD or DNB Psychiatry), Social Worker
(MSW-Medical and Psychiatric), Psychologist (M.Sc., Psychology or its equivalent degree), Registered
Staff Nurse (Degree or Diploma in Nursing).
39. Minimum Wages Act shall be followed.
Food and Drinking water:
40. Food safety norms should be followed, and food safety certificate should be obtained.
41. Food shall be served in a respectable and comfortable manner.
Medical records:
42. Admissions register.
43. Nominal register of the patients.
44. Treatment register (case sheet). The records shall be maintained in paper and shall be preserved
for a period of five years. Form-F Annexed.
45. Drug register.
46. Injuries register.
47. Patient weight monitoring register.
48. Physical restraints register.
49. Absconded patients register.
50. Emergency call register attended by the Psychiatrist.
51. Dangerously ill / seriously ill patient register.
52. Attendance registers for all the staffs.
53. Inventory register (Stock register)
54. Discharge register.
55. Deaths register.
56. Visitor register.
57. Grievance/Feedback register.
CCTV monitoring:
58. CCTV cameras should be installed in entrance, exit, shared areas, dining hall and common wards.
59. Digital video recordings of CCTV cameras should be preserved and retrievable for a minimum
period of 1 month.
Human rights and dignity of the persons should be respected:
60. There shall not be any physical, mental, sexual abuse or violence.
61. Physical restraint to be used if it is the only means available to prevent imminent and immediate
harm to the person concerned or to others and it should be approved by the Psychiatrist and the
circumstances, duration of restraint shall be recorded in the case sheet and a separate register
kept for the purpose.
62. The family member / nominated representative of the person shall be informed about every instance
of restraint within a period of twenty-four hours.
63. Remuneration should be paid for the work given to the patients, who shall be engaged, only with
consent.
64. The inpatients should have the freedom to meet their family any day during the visiting hours.
65. The inpatients should be discharged on request any time after the admission to a Centre.
66. The role of family and patient should be given due importance in the treatment plan.
67. The list of services to be provided in these Centres should be prominently displayed.
68. The Centres should provide mechanism for grievance redressal.Mar. 12, 2025] TAMIL NADU GOVERNMENT GAZETTE 169
Form A
CERTIFICATE BY A PSYCHIATRIST PRIOR TO ADMISSION
I Dr_________________________, a Psychiatrist, have examined Mr./Ms. ______________________________
residing at _____________________________________________on ____________________________with a
request for admission in a comprehensive De-addiction Centre/Rehabilitation Centre
_____________________________________________________________________________(Name, address and
registration number of the Centre) by the individual/Nominated representative
Namely _______________________
The said person has the following history and examination findings.
________________________________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________________________
Based on the history and examination, a diagnosis of ______________________________________________is
made and the person requires
1) Inpatient De-addiction Treatment
2) Outpatient De-addiction treatment
And if inpatient treatment is required, it is recommended that the person is admitted in a
1) Comprehensive De-addiction Centre OR
2) Rehabilitation Centre
Further treatment shall be ensured by the Medical Officer in charge of the De-addiction Centre. This Certificate
is valid for twenty-four hours only for authorizing admission to a De-addiction Centre.
Date _____________ Time _____________
N.B.:- Please strike off those which are not required.
Signature.
Name of the Psychiatrist and
Seal with State Medical Council
registration Number170 TAMIL NADU GOVERNMENT GAZETTE [Part III—Sec. 2
Form-B
REQUEST FOR INDEPENDENT ADMISSION
To,
The Medical Officer in-charge
_________________________
_________________________
Sir/Madam,
I, Mr./Mrs. __________________________ age _________ son/daughter of ________________________________,
residing at _________________________________________________________________________________ I have
Alcohol/Drug Abuse problem with following symptoms since _________________________________
1. _________
2. _________
3. _________
The following papers related to my problems as available with me are enclosed:
1. _________
2. _________
3. _________
I request that I may be admitted as an independent patient in your establishment for treatment. A self-attested
copy of my Identity Proof is enclosed.
Address Signature
Date
Name
Enclosures
_________________________
_________________________
_________________________
_________________________
N.B.: Please strike off those which are not required.Mar. 12, 2025] TAMIL NADU GOVERNMENT GAZETTE 171
Form-C
REQUEST FOR ADMISSION WITH HIGH SUPPORT NEEDS
(Under section 89 of Mental Healthcare Act 2017)
To,
The Medical Officer in-charge
_________________________
_________________________
Sir/Madam,
I, Mr./Mrs. _____________________________ residing at________________________________________,
_______________________________________, nominated representative of Mr./Mrs. __________________________
aged ___________ son/daughter of __________________________________ request for his/her admission in your
establishment for treatment of alcohol/drug abuse.
Mr./Mrs.is having the following symptoms since ________________.
1. ________________
2. ________________
3. ________________
The following papers regarding my appointment as nominated representative and related to his/her illness are
enclosed:
1. ________________
2. ________________
3. ________________
Kindly admit him/her in your establishment as patient with high support needs.
Name
Address
Mobile and E-mail
Signature and Date
N.B.: -Please strike off those which are not required.172 TAMIL NADU GOVERNMENT GAZETTE [Part III—Sec. 2
Form D
List of Equipment in a Comprehensive De-addiction Centre
1. Patient Monitoring Equipment
a. Vital signs monitor (to track heart rate, BP, Oxygen saturation, and temperature).
b. Electrocardiogram (ECG) machine.
c. Pulse oximeters to monitor blood oxygen levels.
2. Emergency Equipment
a. Crash cart stocked with emergency drugs.
b. Oxygen cylinders and masks for respiratory support.
c. Suction devices to clear airways.
d. Ambu bags.
e. Emergency intravenous (IV) setup kits, including cannulas, tubing, and fluids.
3. IV and Medication Administration Supplies
a. IV fluids (e.g., Normal Saline, Ringer's lactate, Dextrose Normal Saline, 5% Dextrose) for dehydration
or nutritional support with IV sets.
b. Syringes and needles for medication administration.
c. Medication storage with secure refrigeration for temperature-sensitive drugs.
4. Diagnostic Equipment
a. Blood glucose monitors.
b. Point of care laboratory tests OR linkage to a laboratory.
5. Neurological and Physical Assessment Tools
a. Reflex hammers for neurological evaluations.
b. Penlights for pupil assessment.
c. Thermometers (digital or infrared)
6. Basic Medical Equipment
a. Examination beds and recliners for patient comfort.
b. Blood pressure apparatus.
c. Stethoscopes, Weighing scale.
7. Supplies for Infection Control
a. Gloves, masks, and gowns for infection prevention.
b. Hand sanitizers and disinfectants for hygiene.
c. Biohazard disposal bins for medical waste.
8. Nutritional Support Equipment
a. Feeding tubes (Ryles tube).
b. Multivitamins, Thiamine, B complex etc.
9. Comfort and Safety Equipment
a. Bed rails to prevent falls during seizures or delirium tremens.
b. Wheelchairs or stretchers for patient mobility and transport.Mar. 12, 2025] TAMIL NADU GOVERNMENT GAZETTE 173
Form E
List of Equipment in a Rehabilitation Centre for persons with SUD
1. Vital signs monitor.
2. Emergency drugs
3. Intravenous (IV) setup kits, including cannulas, tubing, and fluids.
4. Blood pressure Apparatus
5. Stethoscopes
6. Blood glucose monitors
7. Weighing scales
8. Wheelchairs or stretchers174 TAMIL NADU GOVERNMENT GAZETTE [Part III—Sec. 2
Form - F
1. Basic Medical Record
a) Name of the Mental Health Establishment and Doctor :
b) Date :
c) Hospital registration number :
d) Patient's Name :
e) Age: Sex:
f) Father's/Mother's name:
Address:
Mobile No:
g) Patient accompanied by (Name, age, and nature of relationship):
h) Identification marks:
i) Family member / Nominated representative:
j) Advanced Directive - Yes or No, If yes salient features of the content:
k) Authorization by a PsychiatristMar. 12, 2025] TAMIL NADU GOVERNMENT GAZETTE 175
l) Date of admission: Date of discharge:
m) Mode of admission (section under Mental Healthcare Act, 2017): Independent / Supported,
n) Chief complaints:
o) Summary of Medical Examination Laboratory investigations:
p) Salient behavioural observations:
q) Psychological Assessment Report:
r) Provisional/differential/final diagnosis:176 TAMIL NADU GOVERNMENT GAZETTE [Part III—Sec. 2
s) Course in the hospital (Treatment and progress):
t) Condition at discharge or discharge at request or leave against medical advice or person absconding or
others:
u) Treatment advice at discharge:
v) Follow-up recommendations:
Signature of Medical Officer
Chennai-600 010, M. MALAIAPPAN,
6th March 2025. Chief Executive Officer (FAC),
Tamil Nadu State Mental Health Authority.
PRINTED AND PUBLISHED BY THE COMMISSIONER OF STATIONERY AND PRINTING, CHENNAI
ON BEHALF OF THE GOVERNMENT OF TAMIL NADU