Stronger Mental Health Legislation Supports Families and Communities

Report to Help Inform Amendments to Mental Health Legislation

The evaluation of the Mental Health Care and Treatment Act is helping inform future amendments to improve the services and rights of individuals protected by this legislation.

“Mental health and addictions is a priority for our government and we will continue to look for ways to strengthen our services through improved legislation, investments and resources. Using the information from the evaluation we will continue to work with our stakeholders to ensure we have patient-focused legislation protecting a patient’s rights, including the right to treatment. Many of the recommendations from the evaluation, such as training for health professionals and direction on the use of safe rooms, have already been actioned.”
- The Honourable Susan Sullivan, Minister of Health and Community Services

The Mental Health Care and Treatment Act, which was proclaimed on October 1, 2007, focuses on the protection and treatment of people living with mental illness. The act represents a new approach in providing interventions and services for people with severe and persistent mental illness.

As part of the Provincial Government’s ongoing review of legislation, programs and best practices, an evaluation of the act was completed by the Newfoundland and Labrador Centre for Health Information. The review included consultations with stakeholders, clients, health care workers and law enforcement and provided recommendations in areas such as the implementation and use of community treatment orders, the use and availability of safe rooms at health care centres, human resource training and changes to legislation.

A copy of the evaluation can be found here: www.health.gov.nl.ca/health/mentalhealth/mental_health_care_treatment.html 

The Government of Newfoundland and Labrador is committed to supporting important social programs, strong communities and the health and well-being of children, families and seniors.

QUICK FACTS

• An evaluation of the Mental Health Care and Treatment Act has been released and will help inform the development of new amendments to the Act.
• The review included consultations with stakeholders, clients, health care workers and law enforcement and provided recommendations to strengthen the Act.
• There are over 900 health professionals in the province, including case managers, nurses and psychiatrists who help deliver a suite of mental health and addictions programs and services.
• An annual investment of approximately $100 million helps support the delivery of mental health and addictions services to families and communities.
• To further enhance services for mental health and addictions, two new addictions treatment centres, a mental health treatment centre and the replacement of the Waterford Hospital are in development.

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Media contact:
Scott Barfoot
Director of Communications
Department of Health and Community Services
709-729-1377, 690-6290
scottbarfoot@gov.nl.ca 

2013 11 07                                     3:25 p.m.