Mental health patient advocates seeking input on potential changes to involuntary hospitalization law

Mental health patient advocates seeking input on potential changes to involuntary hospitalization law

A non-profit that advocates for people with mental health challenges is holding a public consultation next week in light of the provincial government reviewing law P.38.001, which regulates when and how someone can be hospitalized involuntarily if they are perceived to be a danger to themselves or others.

Mélodie Pelletier, a councillor with Droits-Accès de l’Outaouais, explained that the provincial government announced last year that they were going to review the law, but their organization was concerned that the perspectives of people who have been forcibly hospitalized, as well as their loved ones, wouldn’t be taken into account. She said that there are many instances where patient’s rights can be infringed on during the process.

Pelletier said that they would be hosting a public consultation on May 15 to get the input of people who have experienced an involuntary hold, either first-hand or with a loved one. The event will take place at the Maison du Citoyen de Gatineau  and attendees will be paid a small amount for their time. More information can be found by calling 819-777-4746 or via their social media.

The full interview with Pelletier (11m5) is available here.