Mental Health Act Review Board (MHARB)

MHARB is made up of a Chairperson and legal, medical and public representatives who are all appointed by the Minister of Health and Social Services.

The Chairperson reviews all applications to the MHARB and decides if a hearing is required.

If a hearing is required, the Chairperson assembles a review panel. A review panel is comprised of three Review Board members: a lawyer, a medical practitioner, and a public representative. A review panel hearing must be held within 14 days from receiving the application.

The review panel may ask for information from the designated facility, doctor(s), the patient under involuntary care, substitute decision maker, and others.

The patient may have an Elder, cultural advisor, and/or family member attend the hearing with them.

The review panel’s decision is binding. This means the hospital, doctor, and patient must comply with the decision. The decision can only be overturned by the Supreme Court of Northwest Territories.