You will want to find out if your relative has been admitted to the hospital, and whether or not treatment is being given. Find out the name of the admitting physician. Record all of this information. Hospital Admission and Mental Health Legislation Admissions in all provinces and territories are governed by the mental health legislation in effect in each area. Voluntary admission is usually based upon a request from the prospective patient together with a recommendation from his or her physician.
Involuntary admission is one that occurs without the patient's consent.
Such a decision rests on an assessment of the seriousness of the patient's condition. In many jurisdictions, although the language used may differ, involuntary admission is the result of a conclusion that the person is suffering from a mental disorder and is a danger to him or herself, or to others. Some jurisdictions allow involuntary admission without evidence of dangerousness, if it is established that substantial deterioration in the person's health will occur if the person is not treated immediately. In some, the application for such an admission must be supported by examinations by two physicians. In others, the certificate of admission must be signed by a physician other than the one signing the application.