Mental Health Act Forms FAQs

1. Are all the forms changing as of January 1, 2010?

No, not all existing Mental Health Act (MHA) forms are changing. 

Of the existing MHA Forms 1-18, seven (7) have been revised to incorporate CTOs - and must be used as of January 1, 2010.

  • MH1983 (2010/01) - Form  7  Information
  • MH1984 (2010/01) - Form  8  Warrant
  • MH1986 (2010/01) - Form 10  Statement of Peace Officer on Apprehension
  • MH1988 (2010/01) - Form 12  Application for Review Panel Hearing
  • MH1989 (2010/01) - Form 13  Notice of Hearing Before a Review Panel
  • MH1993 (2010/01) - Form 17  Decision of Review Panel Regarding Admission Certificates, Renewal Certificates or CTO
  • MH1994 (2010/01) - Form 18  Decision of Review Panel Regarding Renewal Certificates & CTO’s (Deemed Application)

How do I tell the difference between the old and the new forms? New forms are dated 2010/01 and contain CTO content.

Old versions of the above forms cannot be used after December 31, 2009 and MUST BE DESTROYED.

Nine (9) new forms (Forms 19-27) have been created for the implementation of CTOs. They will only be available as electronic forms, and can be accessed from Mental Health Act Forms.

For a complete listing of the forms, please refer to Mental Health Act Form Details.

2. Where can I get the (new) forms?

Electronic versions of all forms will be available by visiting Mental Health Act Forms.

These forms can be a) completed on the computer and then printed and signed, or b) printed then completed by hand and signed. They may not be altered in any way.

Revised: Forms 7, 8, 10, 12, 13, 17 and 18
Orders for printed copies of the revised forms can be placed from the warehouse. See question 3 for details on how to order printed copies through Data Document Management (DDM).

Ongoing: Forms 1-18
At this point, “hard” copies of Forms 1-18 will continue to be available, as they have been previously. See question 3 for details on how to order through DDM.

New: Forms 19-27
CTO forms will ONLY be available in electronic format; i.e. printed copies will not be available to order. 

3.  How do I order printed copies from Data Document Manager (DDM)?

The DDM online ordering system is used by clients to obtain material. DDM allows users to initiate an order and add items to the shopping cart for up to 15 days enabling them to submit one request for all items. This aids in the reduction of the automatic pick/pack and extra courier charges.

 “Hard copies” of the forms are ordered through DDM using your Alberta Health and Wellness account, citing the Form Item No. (Mental Health Act Form Details)
If you have an existing account, you do not have to re-register, just login to DDM

If not, visit DDM to register. You may also call 780-644-1301.

Please note that the pricing structure for warehousing costs is activity based and consists of an automatic charge for each order submitted, regardless of the size. There are additional charges for each line item within an order. We request that you try to place one larger order that will last approximately 4 months, rather than numerous smaller ones to reduce costs.

4.  How do I use the electronic versions of the forms?

These forms can be completed on the computer and then printed and signed, or printed then completed by hand and signed. They may not be altered in any way.

An original signature must be on each copy. You may print the required number of copies and sign each, or, print one copy, photocopy the required number, and sign each.

Forms 19 and 20 (only) will have a “save” function, that will permit the user to save the file with text entered into the “fillable” form. This will allow the form to be completed over a period of time rather than in one sitting. For the protection of privacy, precautions must be taken, including ensuring that the form is saved on a secure network, not on a hard drive. 

What if I make a mistake – i.e. the original is signed but the rest are photocopies?  Is the form invalid? No; the form is still valid. However, the original may be required by a review panel or Court. Therefore there can be practical problems (forwarding the original in time for the hearing) and/or evidentiary problems during the hearing.

5. What happens if an old Mental Health Act form is used?

The validity of the form could be challenged. New forms should be completed as soon as possible.

As soon as you catch it, correct it!  If you see that an old form was used starting January 1, 2010 - redo the form on the correct version. 

6. When do I start to use the new forms?

January 1, 2010.

7. What do I do with the old forms?

Destroy them. As of midnight, December 31, 2009: The existing versions of Forms 7, 8, 10, 12, 13, 17 and 18 should be shredded to ensure their use is discontinued.

The content of Forms 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 9, 11, 14, 15, and 16 is not changing on January 1, 2010.

8.  Why can’t I use an old form? 

Form content is set out in regulation. Because the content of the regulation is changing i.e. adding CTOs, only the new forms can be used as of the date that the new regulation comes into effect. If old forms are used, there is a risk of a challenge that we are not in compliance with the Act and regulation.

9.  Why the move to electronic forms?

The use of electronic forms has more flexibility and many advantages over paper stock:

  • it reduces or eliminates the issue of obsolete stock, 
  • forms are readily available, 
  • forms can be quickly amended, if required
  • electronically entered information is legible, and 
  • cost savings from warehousing, distribution and printing are realized.