The Validity of Commitment Certificates in British Columbia

Abstract

This study surveyed the content of committal forms completed at two B.C. hospitals. A profile of 50 patients at a provincial mental hospital and 50 patients on the ward of a general hospital was obtained by comparing the two groups on a number of demographic and psychiatric history variables. The medical certificates of the patients were then assessed for the inclusion of information required by the B.C. Mental Health Act. Of the 198 forms rated (two per patient), 137 (69.2%) were in compliance with the requirements of the B.C. Mental Health Act. Although a larger number of valid forms was scored for the psychiatric hospital, this difference was not significant. A total of 50 patients had a legally valid combination of medical certificates. Much of the problem associated with the invalid forms was related to the vague and confused wording of the Mental Health Act. It is suggested that a clearer definition of committal criteria and a rewording of the medical certificate may aid physicians in completing commitment documentation.