Changes
→First Steps
# Completion of the 2nd 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 has the right to know the reason's 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.
# If your relative continues to be detained against their will for more than 48 hours, they—or you on their behalf—may request a hearing by a mental health Review Panel. The Review Panel is free of charge. This is an independent panel of 3 people, who will decide if the criteria for certification still exist. You, or your relative, may apply for the Review Panel by completing a Form 7, Application for Review Panel Hearing.
# Your relative is entitled to be represented by a lawyer or mental health advocate at a Review Panel hearing. If they can’t afford a lawyer on their own, you should see if they qualify for legal aid representation (see #36- Legal Aid representation, in Part 2 of this Guide for information about applying for legal aid).
# You, or your relative, can also get information, and sometimes representation at a Review Panel hearing through the Community Legal Assistance Society’s Mental Health Law Program (604) 685-3425).