Abstract

The article aims to analyze the institutional response of the Chilean legal system to the presence of a mental health issue affecting the person serving as President of the Republic and to provide criteria for its implementation. First, it examines the history of national regulation and the Chilean legal framework, identifying legal gaps and distinguishing mental health scenarios from other reasons for early termination of office. Then, a review of comparative law cases is conducted, highlighting the United States, where, despite limited institutional experience, there is extensive research on mental health and politics. Finally, based on a review of relevant literature, the article proposes standards and operational procedures that address the challenges and lessons derived from comparative experience and specialized literature, while also aligning with international human rights standards. © 2025 Pontificia Universidad Catolica de Chile. All rights reserved.