Try for free

BC Form 20: Leave Authorization (Mental Health Act)

A designated facility uses this form under section 37 of the Mental Health Act to release an involuntary patient on leave, usually extended leave in the community. It records the date leave begins, when the current medical certificate expires, the conditions of leave, and the community physician who has agreed to take on clinical care, renewal certificates, changes to conditions, recall and discharge. Involuntary status continues throughout the leave.

Who completes it

The director of the designated facility, or a physician authorized by the director, completes and signs it, usually after the attending hospital physician plans the leave with the community physician. The patient signs to confirm the conditions were explained, though the Guide says that signature is not required to authorize leave.

Submitting and payment

How to submit it
A draft goes to the community physician and the health authority's mental health director; once it comes back, the director or authorized hospital physician signs it on or before the day leave begins, the patient gets a copy, and it is filed on the health record.
Who pays
The MSC Payment Schedule's Mental Health Act fee items, 00065 and 00066, list Forms 3, 4.1, 4.2 and 6 only; there is no listed fee item for Form 20.

Good to know

  • Section 9 of the Mental Health Regulation requires Form 20 unless the leave conditions require the patient to return within 14 days or less; shorter leave still needs director or authorized physician approval.
  • The Guide calls it accepted practice for the community physician to assume all five listed responsibilities, and advises that physician to sign beside their name, since the form has no acceptance line.
  • Form 6 renewals must still be completed on time during leave; if a renewal is missed, involuntary status and the leave end and cannot be restarted in the community.
  • A new Form 20 is needed only when conditions change, a different community physician takes over, or the patient is recalled and released again, not for temporary coverage by another physician.

Get the official form

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

Form 20 - Leave Authorization

Official pagePDF

Fill it with Vero

Upload the fillable PDF once and Vero Documents fills it from the visit note and the chart, ready for you to review and sign. Download, print, or email the finished form, with the patient’s consent.

See how Vero Documents works

How this list is checked

A form is listed only after its name and number were confirmed on the issuing agency’s or insurer’s own website, or in the form itself. Each entry links to that source. The list was last checked in October 2026. Forms and their requirements change without notice, so check the official page for the current version before you complete one.

Vero is not affiliated with, or endorsed by, the agencies and insurers listed here. Read our editorial policy.

Frequently asked questions

Who signs BC Form 20?

The director of the designated facility, or a physician the director authorizes, signs to authorize the leave, and the Guide says the signature date should be on or before the date leave starts. It also advises that, unless unavoidable, a hospital physician should not sign a Form 20 in which they are also the receiving community physician.

What conditions go on Form 20?

The conditions section must be completed. The Guide says conditions should be least restrictive, limited to those essential to prevent rehospitalization, allow reasonable choice of residence where possible, and fit a community treatment plan. Examples include living with a particular person or in a residential facility, taking medication, or reporting to the hospital or Mental Health Centre at set times.

Is Form 20 needed for a short pass?

No. Section 9(2) of the Mental Health Regulation says a Form 20 is not required if the conditions of release require the patient to return to the facility within 14 days or less. The director or an authorized physician still approves that leave, and the Guide suggests recording destination, duration, supervision and conditions in the health record.