Difference between revisions of "A Relative Has Been Held against Their Will in a Mental Health Facility"

#If you have a relative who has been involuntarily detained in a mental health facility, you should immediately call the facility — usually a hospital in your area.  If you don’t know which facility it is, <span class="noglossary">contact</span> your local Health Authority (see the [http://www.health.gov.bc.ca/socsec/ BC Health Authorities listing] on the Ministry of Health website, or the Blue Pages of the phone book). Let the facility know what support you are able to provide to your relative, and ask if and when they are planning to <span class="noglossary">release</span> them.

#As soon as is practicable, your relative should be notified of their rights under the ''Mental Health Act''. They should be given a Form 13, [http://www2.gov.bc.ca/assets/gov/health/forms/3515.pdf Notification to Involuntary Patient of Rights under the Mental Health Act]. Your relative has the right to know the reasons for their detention.  They have the right to have a copy of their medical certificate(s) unless the facility believes this information will cause serious harm to your relative or cause harm to others. Completion of the second medical certificate gives the facility the right to give treatment to your relative — including medication — even if your relative does not wish this.

#Your relative is entitled to be represented by a lawyer or mental health advocate at a Review Panel hearing. You, or your relative, can also get information about representation at a Review Panel hearing through the [[Community Legal Assistance Society]]'s Mental Health Law Program by calling 604-685-3425.