Compliance by physicians with the 1978 Ontario Mental Health Act

In a survey of 102 patients admitted involuntarily to a psychiatric hospital, a statement of potential danger, required by law, was found to be provided on all the committal forms. Closer enquiry suggested that although 89% of these patients were admitted involuntarily in accordance with strict legal requirements the legal justification for involuntary admission was questionable in 11 cases. Of these 11 admissions, 10 were thought to be warranted if medical considerations were given priority and on humane grounds. For 6 of the 10 patients treatment was clearly beneficial. One patient suffered hardships as a result of his involuntary admission that were not compensated for by any likelihood that he could have benefited medically from psychiatric care. Apparently humane considerations and the possibility that a mentally ill person could benefit from treatment led to some committals that were legally uncertain. It is concluded that the Mental Health Act should be revised to take account of such situations.