previous next
Home

Main course

Module 1: Immigration and social determinants of health

Module 2: Intro to Mental Health

Summary

Module 3: Key populations - women

Module 4: Key populations - children

Module 5: Key populations...

Summary

Module 6: Treatment and support

Summary

Module 7

Summary

Module 8: Service delivery + pathways to care

Summary

Module 9: Partnerships + mental health promotion

9.1 Strategies for promoting mental health
Strategies for promoting mental health + +
Summary

Module 10: Self-care

Summary Glossary
1.1.2

Legislation affecting the rights of clients

Each province or territory in Canada has laws that outline the legal rights of clients with a mental health problem or illness. In most provinces and territories, the Mental Health Act outlines legislation, guidance, rights and obligations related to the provision of mental health care. This includes information around admission to hospital (voluntarily and non-voluntarily), such as when it can occur, under which criteria, the duration and the rights of the client depending on the type of admission.

These acts also provide guidance on the actions and duties of police and health care practitioners, including when it is necessary to seek consent from a substitute decision-maker (SDM).

SDMs are individuals who have been authorized under legislation (in Ontario this is outlined in the Health Care Consent Act to make decisions concerning personal assistance on behalf of people who are incapable of doing so.

It is important for service providers to understand their role and obligations under their own provincial or territorial act, as well as the rights afforded to people living with mental health problems and illnesses.

Mental Health Care Acts by province/territory

map of canada