Difference between revisions of "Introduction to Adult Guardianship and Substitute Decision-Making (15:I)"

Jump to navigation Jump to search
m
no edit summary
m
Line 15: Line 15:
== B. Mental Capacity ==
== B. Mental Capacity ==


'''NOTE:''' For the purposes of this manual, there is no distinction between “mental capacity”, “capacity” and “capability”. The terms are used interchangeably.  
:'''NOTE:''' For the purposes of this manual, there is no distinction between “mental capacity”, “capacity” and “capability”. The terms are used interchangeably.  


In BC the law presumes that an adult is capable to make personal and legal decisions (e.g. decisions regarding health, life, property, assets,  financial arrangements, etc.), unless there is evidence to the contrary. A person may become incapable at a point in his or her life due to  illness, disability or accident. If an adult is, or becomes incapable, another person (or persons) can become the substitute decision-maker(s),  who acts on the wishes and values of the incapable adult. A substitute decision-maker can be appointed in either of the following ways:  
In BC the law presumes that an adult is capable to make personal and legal decisions (e.g. decisions regarding health, life, property, assets,  financial arrangements, etc.), unless there is evidence to the contrary. A person may become incapable at a point in his or her life due to  illness, disability or accident. If an adult is, or becomes incapable, another person (or persons) can become the substitute decision-maker(s),  who acts on the wishes and values of the incapable adult. A substitute decision-maker can be appointed in either of the following ways:  
Line 41: Line 41:
*any other prescribed matter.
*any other prescribed matter.


'''NOTE:''' This is a complex and rapidly changing area of the law. This above statutory test for incapacity in s 12(2) of the PAA came into  effect on September 1, 2011. This test is significantly broad in scope and appears to only apply to an EPOA. However, it remains to be seen how this test will be interpreted by the courts. As of July 23, 2015, there has been no judicial interpretation of this test. Consult your supervising lawyer for guidance on assessing capacity for other types of Powers of Attorney, or if there is a greater need for clarity about the validity of these documents.
:'''NOTE:''' This is a complex and rapidly changing area of the law. This above statutory test for incapacity in s 12(2) of the PAA came into  effect on September 1, 2011. This test is significantly broad in scope and appears to only apply to an EPOA. However, it remains to be seen how this test will be interpreted by the courts. As of July 23, 2015, there has been no judicial interpretation of this test. Consult your supervising lawyer for guidance on assessing capacity for other types of Powers of Attorney, or if there is a greater need for clarity about the validity of these documents.


=== 2. Health Care Consent ===
=== 2. Health Care Consent ===
Line 107: Line 107:
For more information about the requirements and scope of ADs, refer to [[Advance Directives (15:VI) | section VI: Advance Directives]] in this chapter.  
For more information about the requirements and scope of ADs, refer to [[Advance Directives (15:VI) | section VI: Advance Directives]] in this chapter.  


'''NOTE:''' Health care consent is a complex and rapidly changing area of the law. Consult your Supervising Lawyer for guidance on assessing capacity to make an RA or AD, or if there is a greater need for clarity about the legal validity of these documents.  
:'''NOTE:''' Health care consent is a complex and rapidly changing area of the law. Consult your Supervising Lawyer for guidance on assessing capacity to make an RA or AD, or if there is a greater need for clarity about the legal validity of these documents.  


=== 6. Designated Agencies – Support and Assistance ===
=== 6. Designated Agencies – Support and Assistance ===
Line 130: Line 130:


In BC, various laws define what is required to validly execute each of these documents, the duties and powers held by the appropriate substitute decision-maker(s), and the legal authority or scope of decisions made.
In BC, various laws define what is required to validly execute each of these documents, the duties and powers held by the appropriate substitute decision-maker(s), and the legal authority or scope of decisions made.
{{LSLAP Manual Navbox|type=chapters15-22}}

Navigation menu