Privacy laws for mental health care in Nova Scotia could soon be reviewed

The governing Liberals are ready to examine whether Nova Scotia's privacy law is preventing young adults from getting the support they need when they are suffering from a mental illness.

The issue was front and centre at Province House on Tuesday during a visit to the legislature by Carolyn Fox. Her daughter, Cayley, 21, killed herself on Jan. 22.

The varsity rugby player was in her graduating year at Saint Mary's University in Halifax.

Repeatedly rushed to hospital

Carolyn Fox told reporters, at a news conference organized by the Nova Scotia PC Party caucus, that her daughter was taken to hospital several times last fall and winter, but she'd only heard about one of the emergency room visits.

"Cayley was taken to the hospital by ambulance in September, in October and in December," she said. "The only one I was aware of was the one in December because I had her roommate call."

'This is not acceptable'

"Because of the privacy law I was not contacted. She was released each time within a few hours. No red flags as to say this girl has been here three times released and told she was fine. This is not acceptable," Carolyn Fox said.

Premier Stephen McNeil seemed to agree.

He was asked by CBC News whether he felt family members would be the ones most likely to help young adults struggling with a mental illness.

"Absolutely," he replied. "When you hear about someone who is not well and we're still relying on that issue of not [reaching out] to provide those supports, [that] doesn't make sense."

Protecting medical records

"We have to look at it but there's a whole host of issues associated with that, not the least of which is the breaching of someone's privacy," McNeil said. 

For its part, the official Opposition has introduced a bill named after Cayley that would force the government to form a committee — including young members — to examine mental health services for young Nova Scotians.

Although it's not what Carolyn Fox has asked for, she thought it might spur the government to some action.

"If we're making mental health a priority, everything will fall into place," she said. 

The premier was even less supportive of that idea. He said the possibility of notifying parents when their adult children seek medical help would be a bigger help. 

"If we can get it right, [it] potentially has the real impact of what we're trying to do [which is] to make sure those who require supports, get it."