WHITBY MENTAL HEALTH CENTRE

NANCY BURNS, MSW, RSWSOCIAL WORKER

FORENSIC ASSESSMENT UNIT (FAU)

NORMALLY…….

we need express (verbal) or

written (Form 14) consent to release any information related to a patient in hospital

UNDER THE FORENSIC SYSTEM……

or when the patient is being assessed pursuant to an Assessment Order under the Criminal Code, we may collect, use and disclose personal health information with or without the patient’s consent.

IN REALITY…..

we ask a patient who they would prefer us to speak with to gather information. At this time we inform them of our legal right to collect, use and disclose information in order to complete the court ordered assessment regardless of their consent.

IT IS IMPORTANT TO NOTE…..

that collecting, using and

disclosing information about a patient without consent only occurs at the time of assessment.

THEREFORE…….

when a patient moves beyond

the assessment phase they must provide express or written consent in order for information to be released.

WHEN YOUR RELATIVE IS ADMITTED TO AN ASSESSMENT UNIT…..

Call the Unit and ask to speak to your relative’s Social Worker

Expect the Social Worker to seek out consent before providing information

Remember you can always provide information – previous diagnoses and/or hospitalizations are crucial information

REMEMBER TO……

Expect some delays – we are balancing the needs of the patient and the needs of the family