Independent Rights Advice Service (IRAS)
The Independent Rights Advice Service (IRAS) helps people who are detained and experiencing involuntary treatment under the Mental Health Act in BC.
- The Service connects you with a Rights Advisor, who provides information on your legal rights as an involuntary patient, and how to act on those rights.
- You can talk to a Rights Advisor through a Rights Advice meeting, which is private.
- You can request a Rights Advice meeting by speaking to your treatment team.
The Independent Rights Advice Service operates separately from the healthcare system, including hospitals, facilities, and community mental health teams.
On December 3, 2025, Bill 23 – 2022: Mental Health Amendment Act, 2022 came into force. The Mental Health Act now includes a section on Rights Advice, which defines how an independent rights advice service can be established, how rights advisors are designated, and the duties of rights advisors.
Importantly, it sets out that involuntary patients are entitled to meet with an independent rights advisor. The health care team must notify patients of their right to meet with a Rights Advisor during the rights notification process.