Mental Health Law Reform Task Force

Since its inception, the Mental Health Act has undergone various changes, including in 2000 when Community Treatment Orders were introduced and, most recently, in 2015, when an amendment granted the Consent & Capacity Board powers to order terms and conditions for long-term involuntary patients. Given the possibility for change, psychiatrists can work together and contribute their expertise, knowledge and front-line experience to generate additional ideas for potential mental health law reforms that can improve patient care and access to timely treatment.

The OPA Council approved a task force focused on identifying specific ideas for mental health law reform. This task force brings together various stakeholders including resident and practicing psychiatrists, legal experts and patient/family advisors so discussions can draw upon different experiences and perspectives.  The Mental Health Law Reform Task Force completed its working group meetings in 2020 and finalized a summary document that outlines the areas in mental health law to which the OPA has committed ongoing advocacy efforts. The goal is to promote changes that will improve mental health care services available for patients, families and mental health practitioners on both individual and system-wide levels.

Dr. Karen Shin
OPA Mental Health Law Reform Task Force Lead