Vietnam bans filming, recording during visits to patients undergoing compulsory treatment

The Vietnamese government has issued Decree No. 257/2026 regulating the management of individuals placed under compulsory medical treatment during their stay at designated healthcare facilities.

The decree implements provisions of the Law on Execution of Criminal Judgments and sets out requirements for compulsory treatment facilities, patient management, and funding for the system.

It applies to individuals subject to compulsory medical treatment, healthcare facilities providing such treatment, investigative agencies, and other relevant organizations and individuals.

As per the decree, effective July 1 this year, compulsory treatment facilities must be state-run hospitals specializing in psychiatry.

These hospitals are required to establish independent inpatient units designed to ensure both medical care and security.

Facilities must include separate areas for admission, treatment, special monitoring, communal activities, family visits, and staff operations, with patients classified by gender, level of risk and medical condition.

Patient rooms must be built to prevent self-harm or escape, with fixed furniture, secure doors and windows, and external monitoring systems.

Hospitals must maintain strict security, including entry control systems, surveillance cameras, emergency alarms, backup power, and trained security personnel equipped with authorized support tools.

The decree also specifies how treatment facilities should coordinate with patients' relatives.

Relatives are allowed to visit and assist in patient care but must comply with security rules.

Visitors must present identification, undergo checks of personal belongings, and are prohibited from bringing in cameras, audio-recording devices, weapons, explosives, support tools, toxic substances, flammable materials, narcotics, alcohol, stimulants, sharp objects, or any other unsafe items.

Importantly, filming, photographing, or recording during visits is strictly forbidden.

If a patient escapes, family members are required to cooperate with authorities in locating them.