Mental Health Act Forms
Why do the proper Mental Health Act forms need to be completed when detaining and treating people?
Legal and ethical duty
What is wrong with this statement: A client says they were certified because the police brought them into the hospital
Police cannot certify people
What is the cost of the review panel hearing?
It's free!
Who decides when you can leave the unit/hospital?
Your doctor
How many of the admission criteria do you have to meet to be certified?
ALL of the admission criteria
How can you know what's on your Mental Health Act forms?
You can ask staff to share a physical copy or to go over the content with you.
How long are people certified?
Depends, clients can be discharged whenever the doctor assesses that they no longer meet all the admission criteria.
What form is used to apply for the hearing?
Form 7 - Application for review panel hearing
If you don't agree with your doctor on the course of treatment what might they do?
Your doctor takes your wishes under consideration and may try to recommend other options and explain they benefits and risks of the treatment. However, under the Mental Health Act an involuntary patient cannot refuse psychiatric treatment.
What does it mean to be a "Peer" Support Worker?
Peers have lived experience with mental health and/or substance use issues and use their experience to support others managing something similar.
What is Form 13 for?
Form 13 - Notification to involuntary patient of rights under the Mental Health Act
How can a voluntary patient become an involuntary patient?
If it is no longer suitable for the patient to be admitted voluntarily, i.e. the doctor is worried the patient may refuse treatment or leave the hospital before they're ready.
What if you want an advocate for your hearing?
You select the box on the Form 7
What form is used to request a second medical opinion?
Form 11 - Request for a second medical opinion
How might you support clients with their MH Act rights?
-Chat with clients about their experience of care and concerns
-Share resources or learn about MH Act rights with clients
-Encourage clients to speak with other members of their care team
-Help clients to complete a Form 7 or Form 11
Which two forms nominate and notify a near relative of someone's admission?
Form 15 & Form 16
How is being on extended leave different than being discharged?
-extended leave means you are still certified but you will be treated outside of the hospital, if you don't meet certain conditions you will be recalled
-discharge means you're no longer certified or you're not longer a patient
What is the review panel trying to determine?
If the client meets the admission criteria or not
What does requesting a second medical opinion do?
Another doctor assesses you on the appropriateness of your treatment and gives their recommendation to your treating doctor to consider.
Who can you contact if you have concerns about your care?
-family or friends
-other members of care team (peer support)
-Office of the Ombudsperson
-VCH Patient Care Quality Office
-Health regulating bodies (e.g. College of Physicians and Surgeons of BC or BC College of Nurses and Midwives )
This team has been active across VCH/PHC sites for over two years, but the team will be disbanding March 31, 2024.
The Involuntary Admissions Support Team
What are the certification criteria?
-experiencing a mental disorder
-require psychiatric treatment in a designated facility
-require care and supervision to prevent further illness or potential harm to self or others
-cannot be admitted voluntarily
How often can you apply for a hearing?
Once per certification period starting in the one-month period (if you haven't had one in the last three months).
How is "treatment" defined in the Mental Health Act?
Any safe and effective psychiatric treatment that's appropriate for the person's condition and the function of the facility, which includes related procedures that are necessary for the treatment (e.g. observation, seclusion and restraint).
What can staff do if the patient refuses to nominate anyone for Form 15?
-remind client a "near relative" can be anyone they trust and will only be told about their admission, their MH Act rights, and when they're discharged.
-team can see if there are any known near relatives on record and nominate someone on the client's behalf.
-respect client's wishes and complete required legal notification to near relative.