Advocacy updates from the Ontario Psychiatric Association
1. The OPA submitted a Brief to the AMAD/Federal Special Joint Committee on MAID last week, just after AMAD released its report concluding that Canada is not ready for MAID expansion.
The OPA Brief includes an overview of preliminary results for the recent MAID study, led by OPA Councillor Dr Sephora Tang (Ottawa).
A key finding was that the majority (80%) of respondents disagreed that the Canadian medical system is prepared to safely support the expansion of MAID for MD-SUMC by March 17, 2024. This was based on almost 500 psychiatrists and residents, majority from Ontario and Quebec.
There remains >60 pages of thoughtful commentary still to be analyzed.
2. The OPA released Proposals for MH Law reform last month (also attached), launched a letter-writing campaign, and is meeting with political representatives.
How have current mental health laws affected your family member or patient's ability to access psychiatric treatment when they were incapable of making treatment decisions?
Physicians, patients, and family members are invited to share their stories and support for the OPA proposals by writing to members of the Ontario Legislature.
A template letter is available which can be sent along with a copy the OPA's Proposals challenging the limitations of the Mental Health Act (Form 3 Box B, Form 3 duration) and Health Care Consent Act (Treatment Pending Appeal).
These proposals arose from the OPA Mental Health Law Reform task force, led by Drs Karen Shin (Toronto) and Lyndal Petit (Ottawa). This task force brings together various stakeholders including resident and practicing psychiatrists, legal experts and patient/family advisors.
Please check out the membership flyer outlining more of the Ontario Psychiatric Association's work and partnerships (eg. educational program discounts).
**Clinicians in Mental Health related fields are welcome to join OPA as “Associates"**