Does a mental health facility have to have a policy regarding the use of covert medication?
• No, not necessarily. It is good practice for a facility using this practice to develop a policy that addresses this special situation. However, there is nothing that compels a hospital to develop such a policy. Any policy that is developed must be consistent with existing, relevant legislation (the Health Care Consent Act, the Substitute Decisions Act). Do I have to be informed of the policy prior to the use of covert medication? • It is reasonable to expect that patients would be advised of the existence of any policy guiding the covert use of medication, as well as any guidelines governing this practice. However, this information may only be provided if requested and there is no requirement that facilities notify patients of the possibility of medication being administered covertly. Must staff document in my record of personal health information that they have administered the medication in this manner? • Given the exceptional nature of this practice, it is reasonable to assume tha
