In October 2005, the Nova Scotia House of Assembly passed the Involuntary Psychiatric Treatment Act. The Act is about making sure that those who are unable to make treatment decisions, due to their severe mental illness, receive the appropriate treatment. It will become law on July 3, 2007.
The Involuntary Psychiatric Treatment Act is appropriate when someone with a mental disorder:
- as a result of the mental disorder
- is threatening or attempting to be or has recently been a danger to him/herself or others; or
- is likely to suffer serious physical impairment or serious mental deterioration or both;
- lacks capacity to make decisions about his or her care,
- requires care in a psychiatric facility and cannot be admitted voluntarily.
There are changes to the responsibilities of mental health and other health professionals, hospital administrators, and law enforcement under the legislation. New forms are required and can be found below.
For more information please review the legislation and regulations. Fact sheets are available for patients and their families, hospital administrators and law enforcement.
- Involuntary Psychiatric Treatment Regulations
- Involuntary Psychiatric Treatment Act
- Mental Health Patient Advisor Service Request for Rights Advice Visit (PDF)
- Facts for Patients (PDF)
- Facts for Law Enforcement (PDF)
- Facts for Hospital Administrators (PDF)
- Forms: Regulations IPTA
- Detainment of Voluntary Patient (PDF)
- Medical Certificate for Involuntary Psychiatric Assessment - Part 1 (PDF)
- Medical Certificate for Involuntary Psychiatric Assessment - Part 2 (PDF)
- Declaration of Involuntary Admission (PDF)
- Declaration of Renewal of Involuntary Admission (PDF)
- Declaration of Change of Status (PDF)
- Certificate of Leave (PDF)
- Certificate of Cancellation of Leave (PDF)
- Community Treatment Order (PDF)
- Renewal of Community Treatment Order (PDF)
- Revocation of Community Treatment Order (Section 55 - Involuntary Psychiatric Treatment Act) (PDF)
- Revocation of Community Treatment Order (Section 56 - Involuntary Psychiatric Treatment Act) (PDF)
- Revocation of Community Treatment Order (Section 57 - Involuntary Psychiatric Treatment Act) (PDF)
- Request for Review (PDF)
- Notice of Hearing (PDF)
- Forms: Regulations Hospital Act