Government looks to strengthen rights of patients – EverythingGP

To address the courts requirements, the amendments propose changing the definition of mental disorder so that an individual with a brain injury could not be detained under the act. However, if the individual has both a brain injury and a mental health disorder, the individual could be detained. This means only individuals who require and would benefit from mental health care would be detained.

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To safeguard patients rights, proposed amendments include requiring hospitals to provide free and timely access to medical records and information about legal counsel and the mental health patient advocate. Facilities would also be required to review forms more promptly, so patients are fully informed about why they are detained. Patients staying in a hospital for more than 30 days would be provided with a treatment plan, including criteria for release, so they know what to expect.

It is critical individuals interacting with the mental health system understand and are fully able to exercise their rights, said Janice Harrington, Mental Health Patient Advocate. The proposed amendments to the Mental Health Act address some of the key areas of concern shared with the mental health patient advocates office, providing patients and their caregivers with more timely support and guidance in their mental health journey.

To update and streamline the act, the amendments propose that nurse practitioners be authorized to assess and examine patients. The amendments also propose allowing the use of video conferencing for assessment and examination, as well as offering more locations that provide this care to reduce travel and wait times.

The amendments propose a number of changes to mental health review panels as well. Patients would be provided with more time to appeal a panels decision. Also, panels would be permitted to order additional, independent psychiatric opinions and to request that a facility issue a community treatment order when doing so would be more appropriate.

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Government looks to strengthen rights of patients - EverythingGP