This page explains:
Home Patients & Families For Patients Patient Rights, Forms & Visiting
Your rights
Patients have the right to:
- Know what is happening
- Ask questions
- Speak to a Rights Adviser
- Appeal decisions
Rights Advisers (PPAO)
They can:
- Explain your rights while under a Mental Health Act form
- Help you understand forms
- Help you apply for a hearing
Consent and Capacity
The CCB is an administrative tribunal under the Ministry of Health that reviews decisions.
What is Capacity?
Capacity means you can:
- Understand information
- Make your own decisions
If someone is not capable, a Substitute Decision-Maker (SDM) makes decisions for them.
This person:
- Follows rules set by law
- Makes decisions in the patient’s best interest
Consent and Capacity Board (CCB)
The CCB is an administrative tribunal under the Ministry of Health that reviews decisions.
You can ask for a hearing if you disagree with:
- Being held involuntarily hospital
- A finding that you are not capable
- A treatment plan
Mental Health Act Forms
Doctors use forms to make sure patients get care safely and legally.
Common forms
- Form 1 – Doctor asks for a mental health assessment
- Form 42 – Tells the person about Form 1
- Form 3 – Person must stay in hospital (involuntary)
- Form 30 – Tells the person about Form 3
- Form 33 – Says a person not be able to make certain decisions
Visiting a loved one
Each unit is different.
Always contact:
- The social worker
- The Clinical Manager
They will tell you:
- When to visit
- What you can bring
- Where to go
You may need to:
- Go through security (metal detector or wand)
- Show ID (in some units)
- Wear a visitor badge
You may need to store items like your phone in a locker.
The rules are different for each unit. The social worker or clinical manager will let you know what is allowed.
Not allowed:
- Cigarettes or vapes
- Alcohol
- Drugs or cannabis
Always check before bringing anything.
- Up to 4 visitors at one time
- Children must be with an adult
- Some food may be allowed
- In high secure units:
- No bones in food
- Food must be eaten during the visit
- No leftovers
Photos
Photos can be taken of your loved one. We just ask that you speak to the care team first.
Money
Staff will process it and give you a receipt.
Seclusion
Visits may change. Call the unit for details.
Palliative care
The team will work with families to allow visits.
Mail and packages
Check with the unit before sending anything.
Important reminder
Each program has its own rules.
The best thing to do is contact the care team directly.
Call to Action
Need help? Talk to your loved one’s care team.