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BC Form 6: Renewal Certificate (Mental Health Act)

When an involuntary patient in British Columbia still meets the admission criteria near the end of a detention period, a physician examines them and completes this renewal certificate before the period expires. It renews involuntary status for the next period set by the Act, records the date by which the patient must be examined again, and gives the physician's reasons. It applies equally to patients on extended leave in the community.

Who completes it

A physician who is the director of the designated facility, or a physician authorized by the director, examines the patient and completes and signs the whole form. The Guide recommends that the physician responsible for the patient's treatment do the renewal examination, and says only physicians licensed to practise in BC may complete it.

Submitting and payment

How to submit it
The signed Form 6 is filed on the patient's health record at the designated facility; for a patient on extended leave the community physician files it and gives the releasing hospital a copy if asked. It must be signed before midnight on the last day of the current period.
Who pays
MSP fee items 00065 (investigation with completion of BC Mental Health Act Forms 3, 4.1, 4.2 or 6) and 00066 (completion on previously assessed or treated cases) both include Form 6.

Good to know

  • Section 24(2.1), printed at the foot of the form, requires the examination to consider the patient's history of hospitalization and treatment compliance, and the risk of not following the treatment plan if discharged.
  • Renewal periods follow the Act's sequence and cannot be shortened or lengthened by a physician or director: one month after the first month, then three months, then six months for every later renewal.
  • For three-month and six-month periods, the Guide says to examine only in the last month before expiry; the new period starts when the current one ends, not when Form 6 is signed.
  • If the renewal is missed, the patient ceases to be involuntary and new medical certificates are needed; the Guide notes involuntary status cannot be restarted in the community for a patient on leave.

Get the official form

Download the current version from the source each time; forms change without notice.

Form 6 - Medical Report on Examination of Involuntary Patient (Renewal Certificate)

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Frequently asked questions

How long does a BC Form 6 renewal last?

Section 24 of the Act sets the sequence: after the first month authorized by the two medical certificates, the first renewal is for one month, the second for three months, and every later renewal for six months. The physician enters the number of months and the date by which the patient must be examined again, which is the date the renewal expires.

When should a Form 6 be completed?

Within the last month of the current period and before midnight on its last day. The Guide recommends examining reasonably close to the end of the period and counting months from the involuntary admission date, so an admission on April 15 means the second one-month period runs from May 15 to June 14.

Can a community physician complete Form 6 for a patient on leave?

Yes, if authorized. When a patient is released on extended leave, the director can authorize a community physician on Form 20 to complete renewal certificates, and section 9 of the Regulation lets the director authorize a physician in writing to complete the renewal report. Form 6 must still be completed on schedule as if the patient were in hospital.