Tamil Nadu has notified the State Mental Healthcare Regulations, 2026, setting enforceable standards for mental health facilities. The rules were issued by the State Mental Health Authority and cover psychiatric hospitals, de-addiction centres and rehabilitation homes.

The regulations classify establishments into five categories based on the services they offer. These include standalone mental health facilities, psychiatric departments of medical colleges, psychiatric wards in multispecialty hospitals, standalone de-addiction centres and psychosocial rehabilitation centres.

The rules set minimum infrastructure norms. Wards and dormitories must provide at least 6 square metres of floor space per bed. Facilities must have one toilet for every eight patients and one bathroom for every ten patients. A gender-neutral ward is also mandated.

The regulations bar standalone de-addiction and rehabilitation centres from admitting patients who are severely mentally ill, violent or suicidal. Such patients must be referred to facilities equipped for emergencies. The move follows the central Mental Healthcare Act of 2017, which the state is now implementing in detail.