Involuntary Psychiatric Treatment Act to come into effect

What does it mean for Capital Health?

From the June 15th issue of Capital Health Update:

Beginning July 3, it may be easier for people who need it to receive mental health treatment. It may also be easier to impose that treatment on people whose illness lessens their decision-making ability.

Stephen Ayer, executive director, Schizophrenia Society of Nova Scotia, says the new Involuntary Psychiatric Treatment Act tries to balance patients’ rights with ensuring people receive the treatment they need. It replaces a section of the Hospital’s Act that predates Canada’s Charter of Rights and Freedoms.

Among the most notable changes from the Hospital’s Act, the Involuntary Psychiatric Treatment Act broadens criteria for admitting people without their consent, while introducing independent patient rights advisors. It also introduces legally binding treatment plans while encouraging community living and access to mental health services.

For Capital Health, the Act could mean greater demand for mental health inpatient acute care and more visits to emergency rooms. Debbie Phillips, bed manager, Mental Health Program, notes, however, that “over the past several months we’ve made changes to processes in the emergency services to improve flow from emergency to inpatient care. This puts us in a better position for any increased demand.”

That’s not to say there won’t be any bumps when the new Act comes into effect. “With the introduction of shorter timelines for assessments and community treatment options that many psychiatrists and staff haven’t yet worked with, there are bound to be challenges,” says Scott Theriault, clinical director. “We hope that through education and other work we’re doing, we’ll minimize these.”