The Mental Health Act is one of the main laws in BC that governs mental health and substance use health care. It sets out when you can be admitted to hospital and treated for what the Act calls a “mental disorder”, either because you ask for that care or because you are being detained and involuntarily treated. This law impacts people diagnosed with mental illness, brain injuries, dementia, substance use related health issues, and many other disability or health conditions.
There is growing evidence that the Mental Health Act is not serving BC well. Emerging investigations from independent offices and compelling stories from people with experience of the mental health system and the loved ones who support them all point to the same thing. BC needs an independent review of the Mental Health Act to create reforms that respect human rights, promote evidence-based care, and build in oversight from an independent provincial Mental Health Advocate.
