News November 4, 2013

Options for a New Mental Health Act

YELLOWKNIFE (Monday, November 4, 2013) – The Standing Committee on Social Programs (SCOSP) is seeking input from organizations working with mental-health consumers.

“Addictions and mental-health issues are some of the biggest problems we have in the Northwest Territories, and there is no one who is not touched by them,” said Committee Chair Alfred Moses.

Addictions and mental-health disorders, along with poverty and crime, are top priorities for the Standing Committee on Social Programs. One way to advance the Committee’s work is for the government to partner with non-profit and volunteer organizations in meaningful ways.

The Standing Committee on Social Programs plans to hear from these groups as the NWT Mental Health Act undergoes a comprehensive rewrite.

A series of discussion papers has been prepared by the Department of Health and Social Services (DHSS) to identify options for the new Act.

http://www.hss.gov.nt.ca/health-social-services/slides/public-input-new-mental-health-act

The Standing Committee on Social Programs is seeking input on the discussion papers from any individuals or organizations working with mental-health consumers. The Committee is especially interested in views on the following:

·         Should a review board be established to protect patient rights?

·         Should community treatment orders be established as
           alternatives to hospitalization?

·         Is a new model for involuntary admission required?

·         Should a third-party “patient-rights advisor” be established?

          Is it appropriate for nurse practitioners to perform involuntary
           psychiatric assessments?

Feedback from stakeholders on the preliminary discussion papers is the first step in a lengthy process. Following this a legislative proposal and draft bill will be developed. There will be other opportunities for non-profit and volunteer organizations to have their say.

Feedback received by Thursday, December 5, 2013 will be considered in the Committee’s formal response to the DHSS.

Please send responses to:

Ms. Gail Bennett, Committee Clerk
Standing Committee on Social Programs
P: 867-669-2343 or 1-800-661-0784
E: alfred_moses@gov.nt.ca