Question

On what legal basis could treatment be given, in Canada, to a institutionalized psychiatric patient

Answer 1

According to the Canadian Psychiatric Association (CPA)people presenting with mental illness have their rights regulated by law and they have an important position in the canadian society as that of any other persons.So that means they possess the ability to decide what treatment they required.They can make their own independent decisions through informed consents.But still the psychiatrists in Canada are confused about their duties about how to reconcile their legislated responsibilities with their ethical obligations in the realm of consent.Anyone who is 16 years of age can voluntarily get theselves admitted to a psychiatric hospital.if the examining Doctor believes that the person needs immediate medical attention,they definitely can be attended to the hospital.Involuntary patients can be kept in the hospital for only 48 hours based on doctors certificateif the patient needs to be kept longer a second doctor should examine the patient and produce a second certificate within 48 hours.Involuntary patients can be treated without their consent as they do not realize the need for psychiatric treatment..if the patient refuses treatment or incapable of consenting then the hospital director consents to treatment for them