论我国“精神卫生法”的称谓

The Research on the Title of China's Mental Health Law

我国2013年5月实施的《精神卫生法》以"精神卫生法"命名,这一称谓无法涵盖该法的全部规范、立法目的,容易将该法的社会法性质误解成行政法,还可能影响法的实施,与其他国家立法称谓的变化趋势相脱节。因此,基于明确立法目的,保护精神障碍者基本权利的社会法性质,顺应当今全体国民的精神健康追求,以及我国加入的国际人权公约等因素,我国现行"精神卫生法"宜正名为"精神健康法"。

The title of China＇ s legislation on mental health which came into force in May, 2013, is Mental Sanitation Act. But this title does not suit the purpose of this legislation, and it would easily cause misunderstanding of considering this as an administrative act. Thus the inappropriate title would affect the enforcement of the Act. What＇ s more, the current title is not consistent with the international trend of title changing of the mental health law. In order to clear the legislation intent, protect the rights of the mental incapacity, comply with the national pursuing of mental health, and the international documents on human rights, the current title of the legislation should be changed to Mental Health Act.