BILL NO. 475
(as introduced)
1st Session, 64th General Assembly
Nova Scotia
3 Charles III, 2024
Private Member's Bill
Mental Health Services Improvement Act
Rafah DiCostanzo
Clayton Park West
First Reading: September 10, 2024
Second Reading:
Third Reading:
An Act to Improve
Mental Health Services
1 This Act may be cited as the Mental Health Services Improvement Act.
"circle of support" means individuals that a patient has chosen for support by identifying them in a form designated by the Nova Scotia Health Authority;
(a) a hospital pursuant to the Hospitals Act;
(b) a primary care clinic administered by the Nova Scotia Health Authority;
(c) a psychiatric facility pursuant to the Involuntary Psychiatric Treatment Act;
(d) an urgent treatment centre administered by the Nova Scotia Health Authority; or
(e) any other facility designated by the Minister of Health and Wellness.
3 (1) A health facility shall, at least two hours before discharging or releasing a patient who
(a) presented voluntarily or involuntarily with psychosis or suicidal ideation; or
(b) survived a suicide attempt or other mental health crisis,
notify an individual in the patient's circle of support.
(2) Where a health facility cannot reasonably obtain any information about a patient's circle of support, the health facility may comply with subsection (1) by notifying the Public Trustee.
4 Subject to Section 5, a health facility shall have a trained peer support worker or navigator present at the health facility for the purpose of
(a) supporting individuals who are in mental health or addiction distress and are waiting to be assessed; and
(b) communicating with any individuals in a patient's circle of support during the patient's stay, including by providing information on safety plans, treatment plans, referrals and aftercare.
5 The money required for the purpose of this Act must be paid out of money appropriated for that purpose by the Legislature.
This page and its contents published by the Office of the Legislative Counsel, Nova Scotia House of Assembly, and © 2024 Crown in right of Nova Scotia. Created September 10, 2024. Send comments to legc.office@novascotia.ca.
