Individuals may agree to be treated voluntarily or involuntarily. If a person suffering from a mental disorder refuses to be treated one can try to obtain an Order from a judge or they can call the police and try to have the individual admitted to a hospital. A family doctor may also facilitate the hospitalization of the individual. This process is known as an involuntary admission of an individual to a health care facility.
It is important to know that patients hospitalized against their will have rights. Some such rights include:
Individuals who have been discharged from health care facilities pursuant to a Community Treatment Order (CTO) have rights similar to those stated above. The CTO is reviewed periodically by a Review Panel. The patient can be represented by a lawyer at the hearing. And free and timely access to the patient’s record as it relates to the hearing is provided.
I have represented countless individuals at Review Panel hearings and for appeals of decisions of the tribunal.