Legislation and Policies
Mental Health (Scotland) Act – repealed 1913 Mental Deficiency Act.
Mental Health (Scotland) Act. Repealed the 1913 Mental Deficiency Act. The former categories of MD were abolished. The general term `mental disorder’ was provided to cover both mental illness and mental deficiency. The Mental Welfare Commission replaced the General Board of Control. The functions of local authorities with regard to MD were extended. The Act was subsequently amended by the 1968 SWSA in respect to the duties of the local authority SWDs towards the mentally handicapped. One result of the act was an increase in the use of hospitals for respite care.