Timeline of Involuntary Care in BC
1872: BC's first asylum opened in Victoria.
1878: New Westminster Provincial Asylum replaced the Victoria asylum.
1904-1913: Essondale (later Riverview) was established in Coquitlam, starting as the Hospital for the Mind.
1934: Crease Clinic for acute psychiatric care opened at Essondale.
1950s-1960s: The rise of psychiatric medications initiated deinstitutionalization, shifting away from large facilities to community care.
1980s: Riverview’s population declined sharply as patients were transitioned into community-based settings.
2000-2012: Riverview fully closed, marking the end of large-scale institutional mental health care in BC.
2020s: A resurgence in discussions around involuntary care
In British Columbia, involuntary medical care generally refers to situations where individuals are treated or detained for medical reasons without their consent, under specific legal frameworks. This is primarily governed by the Mental Health Act and other legislation that balances individual rights with public safety and health needs.
Key Points of the Mental Health Act (MHA):
BC's Mental Health Act allows for involuntary psychiatric treatment for individuals who are deemed a risk to themselves or others due to mental illness.
A physician must assess the individual and, if they meet the criteria, they can be certified for involuntary treatment.
Certification can last for up to 48 hours initially, followed by reassessment for continued treatment (up to one month, then renewable).
Patients have the right to apply for a review or challenge their detention before a Mental Health Review Board.
Emergency Situations:
Under the MHA, police or health authorities can apprehend individuals without a warrant if they are believed to be in immediate danger.
In medical emergencies (e.g., when someone is unconscious or incapable of making decisions), the Health Care (Consent) and Care Facility (Admission) Act allows for care to be provided without consent to preserve life or prevent serious harm.
Adults with Cognitive Impairments:
Individuals with severe cognitive impairments may also receive involuntary care through court-appointed guardianships or care plans under the Adult Guardianship Act if they are unable to make informed decisions.
Rights and Protections:
Even in cases of involuntary care, individuals are entitled to legal protections, including being informed of their rights, access to legal counsel, and periodic review of their case to ensure ongoing necessity.
Involuntary care in BC is focused on balancing the rights of individuals with the need for protection and appropriate care in cases where people cannot make informed decisions due to mental illness or other serious conditions.
Timeline of Involuntary Care in BC
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