Effective September 30, 2009, significant amendments to the Mental Health Act came into effect. The amended Act broadens the criteria for involuntary admission to hospital, requires that a hospital discharge summary and any recommendations for treatment be sent to the individual’s family doctor, if known, and expands the responsibilities of the Mental Health Patient Advocate. On January 1, 2010, community treatment order provisions under the amended Act come into effect.

Please click on the headings below to learn more about this amended Act.

Changes in the Mental Health Act

This website gives a summary of the changes described in the new Mental Health Amendment Act.

Frequently Asked Questions for Health Professionals

This site explains how the changes in the Mental Health Amendment Act affect health professionals, and includes access to the new forms that must now be used.

Patient Rights under the Mental Health Amendment Act

This website outlines the rights available to patients under the Mental Health Amendment Act. Under the Act, all youth, adults or seniors who are in emergency units or anywhere else in hospital in Alberta under one or two admission certificates or renewal certificates, or those acting on their behalf, have the right to contact the Mental Health Patient Advocate for information about their rights or with questions or concerns.

The Role of the Mental Health Patient Advocate

The Government appoints a Mental Health Patient Advocate independent from Alberta Health Services to ensure patient rights are protected and to investigate and resolve patient concerns about their detention, care and/or treatment. Anyone may submit an inquiry for information or lodge a complaint with the Patient Advocate on behalf of themselves or an individual who is a “facility patient” as prescribed by the Mental Health Amendment Act. Visit this website for more information about the Mental Health Patient Advocate.

For More Information:

Mental Health Patient Advocate Office
Edmonton: 780 422 1812
Toll-Free: 310 0000
E-mail: mailto:Info@MHPA.ab.ca