B.C. Issues New Guidance on Involuntary Care for Mental Health and Substance Use Disorders

The updated framework clarifies when involuntary treatment can be applied under the Mental Health Act without altering the legislation itself.

The new guidance aims to address misconceptions and inconsistencies in the application of the Mental Health Act for individuals with severe mental health and substance use disorders.
Doctors are advised that involuntary care can only be used in cases involving mental impairment, such as concurrent disorders or acquired brain injuries from repeated overdoses.
The guidance outlines three scenarios where involuntary treatment may be appropriate, including simultaneous mental and substance use disorders or ongoing impairment after acute symptoms subside.
Health officials emphasize that the guidance is not intended to make it easier to detain individuals involuntarily but to ensure proper identification of those who would benefit from such care.
Two new facilities to support involuntary care are set to open this spring, one at the South Fraser Pretrial Centre and another in Maple Ridge for non-justice system patients.