Mental Health Act Policy Update Strengthens Patient Care

Posted on: November 30, 2022

The Mental Health Act of BC Process Requirements Policy 10.4.1P (MHA Policy) is now available on the Policy and Procedures intranet page.  

​The aim of updating the MHA policy is to ensure people receiving involuntary psychiatric treatment receive fair, safe, and equitable health care as well as safeguarding their rights.

MHA Policy Updates - Highlights

  • Provides Direction - Directs practices to meet provincial expectations for patient centred and trauma informed care.  The policy is accompanied by updated and/or new procedures.
  • Improved Accountability - Outlines clear monitoring and evaluation requirements to ensure patient's rights are protected during their involuntary admission and treatment.
  • Practice Standardization - To ensure Island Health is aligned with the provincial mental health standards.
  • Defined Education Requirements - Sets out education and training requirements for physicians, staff and leadership who are regularly and actively involved in the admission and treatment of patients under the MHA.

Education resources and practice support tools to support this updated approach to the MHA are available through the ​​Mental Health Act intranet site.

​Click to view the MHA policy​

Please send your Mental Health Act questions to:

MHASupport@islandhealth.ca