- Last edited on January 3, 2023
Form 16 (British Columbia - Notification to Near Relative)
Primer
A Form 16 (Notification to Near Relative [Admission of Involuntary Patient or Patient Under Age 16]), is a form under the British Columbia Mental Health Act that informs the near relative of the patient’s admission and rights under the Act and the Charter. A Form 15 must be completed first, as this allows the patient to nominate a near relative to notify.
Download Form 16
Nomination and Notification
When Must a Near Relative be Notified?
The Form 15 provides you with the consent (using either patient or director nomination) to release these following forms:Process
A Form 16 explains to the relative, the patient’s right to:
- Renewal Certificate examinations
- A second medical opinion on the appropriateness of the patient’s treatment
- Apply for a Review Panel hearing, and
- Apply to the courts to have the validity of the patient’s admission and detention determined by way of the Judicial Review Procedure Act.
Legal Counsel
- The patient or someone acting on the patient’s behalf may also apply to the court to determine whether there is sufficient reason and authority for the medical certificate.
- Legal advice may be obtained from independent counsel or through the Legal Services Society or the Community Legal Services Society (CLAS).
Tips
- Remember that the Form 16 applies only to involuntary patients; voluntary patients do not need to have their near relative notified
- A record must be kept by the facility to verify that the near relative was provided with Form 16 and this must also be documented in the patient's chart.