British Columbia Schizophrenia Society

The link below is to a BC Government Guide to the Mental Health Act. This resource may be useful to families who would like to understand the rules and procedures in place in BC around mental illness, police involvement, involuntary treatment, etc…

Hospitals may not always have a good understanding of these rules. For example, a person does not have to be a danger to themself or others in order to be held for assessment or treatment. The criteria for medical professionals is more about risk to their health (see the document for details). Bringing a copy of this document with you if you go with your loved one to your doctor or hospital emergency will help you get them the care they need.

http://www.health.gov.bc.ca/mhd/pdf/MentalHealthGuide.pdf