Involuntary Psychiatric Treatment Act Now in Effect

The province's new Involuntary Psychiatric Treatment Act came into effect today, July 3.

The act provides the legal framework for mental health professionals to intervene on behalf of individuals who lack the capacity to determine their need for treatment, without unduly interfering with civil rights and liberties.

"This legislation recognizes both the seriousness and complexity of involuntary treatment," said Health Minister Chris d'Entremont. "Most people have the ability to make their own treatment decisions; however, this act speaks for those who cannot."

"This piece of legislation is welcome," said Dr. Michael Teehan, associate professor, department of psychiatry, Dalhousie University. "I believe it will enable the early treatment of severe mental illness, and that both patients and families will be well served by the provisions in the legislation."

The new act updates 30-year-old legislation, embedded in the Hospitals Act, which predated Canada's Charter of Rights and Freedoms.

For more information on the Involuntary Psychiatric Treatment Act see the Department of Health's mental health services website at www.gov.ns.ca/health/mhs .