Representation Agreements (15:V)

Representation Agreements (RAs) are governed by the Representation Agreement Act (RAA). A primary goal of the RAA is to give legal recognition to substitute decision-makers, and status for informal helpers that are family and friends. Another important change has been a shift of focus toward support for capacity rather than assessments of incapacity, as the latter can take away an individual’s personal autonomy.

RAs are an instrument by which an individual can proactively plan for the possibility of future incapacity, by appointing another person to make decisions on their behalf. RAs are the primary method by which adults in BC can plan for future health care substitute decision making. An RA can also be used to give legal authority to a person’s supportive decision-maker—a person appointed under the RA to help the adult make their decisions, not necessarily to make their decisions for them. As the capacity test for creating an RA is lower than the test for creating a POA, a person with limited cognitive capacity may have the capacity to create an RA.

In the BC health care system, health care providers must speak directly to an individual to inform them about health care choices and consequences. An adult with capacity has the right to give or refuse consent for treatments. Due to illness, accident or disability, an individual needing health care may not be capable of understanding advice, making informed decisions, or providing meaningful consent to proposed treatment. If the adult has previously enacted an RA, then the representative(s) will be able to give or refuse consent on behalf of the capable adult, acting as appointed substitute decision-maker(s) to make decisions according to the incapable adult’s personal wishes, values and beliefs.

An individual making an RA may be in a vulnerable position due to family dynamics, cognitive challenges, discriminatory beliefs about people with disabilities, or other factors. Vulnerability may create more opportunities or potential for abuse. Anyone helping another create an RA should be aware of indicators of abuse and follow guidelines outlined in this chapter that will help them to notice abuse. If necessary, the adult should be met with alone to ensure that the adult truly wishes to create an RA and give powers to the potential representative.

Also note that, according to s 3.1 of the amended RAA, an adult must not be required to have an RA as a condition of receiving any good or service.

RAs may come into effect immediately or upon future incapability. The vast majority of registered RAs come into effect immediately. The first duty of a representative is to consult and abide by the personal wishes, values and beliefs of the adult, at all times.

A. Types of Representation Agreements

Under the current RAA, there are two levels of RAs that an adult can choose to create, named for the section which governs them: s 7 RAs and s 9 RAs. Both types of RAs allow the adult to select any or all areas of decision-making created by the statutory section in which they will authorize the representative to act on their behalf.

Some RAs allow a routine financial substitute decision making. This includes all s 7 RAs, as well as some s 9 RAs executed prior to September 1, 2011 which authorize a representative to make financial support arrangements as described in s 9(1)(f) of the repealed provisions of the RAA (see s 44.2 of the current RAA). After September 1, 2011, a s 9 RA may only be made concerning personal and health care decisions.

1. Section 7 Representation Agreements

Section 7 RAs designate a substitute or supportive decision-maker to make personal care decisions, major and minor health care decisions for the adult, and routine legal and financial decisions.

These health care decisions cover the majority of health and personal care related choices that an individual can make over the course of their life. The list of decisions includes decisions regarding:

• Personal care, including where and with whom the adult is to reside
• Consent to treatment
• Medication
• Minor or major surgery
• Diagnostics and tests
• Palliative care
• Living arrangements of the adult

A s 7 RA may also allow the representative to take care of routine financial affairs of the adult. “Routine management of financial affairs” is defined in the RA Act Regulation s 2(1) as:

(a) Paying the adult's bills;

(b) Receiving the adult's pension, income and other money;

(c) Depositing the adult's pension, income and other money in the adult's accounts;

(d) Opening accounts in the adult's name at financial institutions;

(e) Withdrawing money from, transferring money between or closing the adult's accounts;

(f) Receiving and confirming statements of account, passbooks or notices from a financial institution for the purpose of reconciling the adult's accounts;

(g) Signing, endorsing, stopping payment on, negotiating, cashing or otherwise dealing with cheques, bank drafts and other negotiable instruments on the adult's behalf;

(h) Renewing or refinancing, on the adult's behalf, with the same or another lender, a loan, including a mortgage, if

(i) The principal does not exceed the amount outstanding on the loan at the time of the renewal or refinancing, and

(ii) In the case of a mortgage, no new registration is made in the land title office respecting the renewal or refinancing;

(i) Making payment on the adult's behalf on a loan, including a mortgage, that

(i) Exists at the time the representation agreement comes into effect, or

(ii) Is a renewal or refinancing under paragraph (h) of a loan referred to in that paragraph;

(j) Taking steps under the Land Tax Deferment Act, RSBC 1996, c 249 for deferral of property taxes on the adult's home;

(k) Taking steps to obtain benefits or entitlements for the adult, including financial benefits or entitlements;

(l) Purchasing, renewing or cancelling household, motor vehicle or other insurance on the adult's behalf, other than purchasing a new life insurance policy on the adult's life;

(m) Purchasing goods and services for the adult that are consistent with the adult's means and lifestyle;

(n) Obtaining accommodation for the adult other than by the purchase of real property;

(o) Selling any of the adult's personal or household effects, including a motor vehicle;

(p) Establishing an RRSP for the adult;

(q) Making contributions to the adult's RRSP and RPP;

(r) Converting the adult's RRSP to a RRIF or annuity and creating a beneficiary designation in respect of the RRIF or annuity that is consistent with the beneficiary designation made by the adult in respect of that RRSP;

(s) Making, in the manner provided in the Trustee Act, any investments that a trustee is authorized to make under that Act;

(t) Disposing of the adult's investments;

(u) Exercising any voting rights, share options or other rights or options relating to shares held by the adult;

(v) Making donations on the adult's behalf to registered charities, but only if

(i) This is consistent with the adult's financial means at the time of the donation and with the adult's past practices, and

(ii) The total amount donated in any year does not exceed 3% of the adult's taxable income for that year;

(w) In relation to income tax,

(i) Completing and submitting the adult's returns,

(ii) Dealing, on the adult's behalf, with assessments, reassessments, additional assessments and all related matters, and

(iii) Subject to the Income Tax Act, 1996 RSBC, c 215 and the Income Tax Act (Canada), 1985 RSC, c 1 signing, on the adult's behalf, all documents, including consents, concerning anything referred to in subparagraphs (i) and (ii);

(x) Safekeeping the adult's documents and property;

(y) Leasing a safety deposit box for the adult, entering the adult's safety deposit box, removing its contents and surrendering the box;

(z) Redirecting the adult's mail;

(aa) Doing anything that is:

(i) consequential or incidental to performing an activity described in paragraphs (a) to (aa), and

(ii) necessary or advisable to protect the interests and enforce the rights of the adult in relation to any matter arising out of the performance of that activity.

For greater clarity, the Regulations state that the routine management of the adult’s financial affairs do NOT include the following (s 2(2) RAR):

(a) Using or renewing the adult's credit card or line of credit or obtaining a credit card or line of credit for the adult;

(b) Subject to subsection (1) (h), instituting on the adult's behalf a new loan, including a mortgage;

(c) Purchasing or disposing of real property on the adult's behalf;

(d) On the adult's behalf, guaranteeing a loan, posting security or indemnifying a third party;

(e) Lending the adult's personal property or, subject to subsection (1) (v), disposing of it by gift;

(f) On the adult's behalf, revoking or amending a beneficiary designation or, subject to subsection (1) (r), creating a new beneficiary designation; and

(g) Acting, on the adult's behalf, as director or officer of a company.

The creation of a s 7 RA does not require the services of a lawyer.

A s 7 RA does not permit a representative to make health care and personal decisions that involve decisions to refuse health care necessary to preserve life, or to physically restrain, move or manage the adult against the adult’s objections.

If there is a conflict between an enduring POA and a s 7 RA which includes routine management of financial affairs, the enduring POA will take priority.

2. Section 9 Representation Agreements

Section 9 RAs designate a substitute decision-maker for significant and sometimes very personal or more controversial health or personal care decisions. Under this section, representatives can do anything that the representative considers necessary in relation to the personal care or the health care of the adult, including:

• Where the adult is to live and with whom, including whether the adult should live in a care facility
• Whether the adult should work and, if so, the type of work, the employer, and any related matters
• Whether the adult should participate in any educational, social, vocational or other activity
• Whether the adult should have contact or associate with another person
• Whether the adult should apply for any licence, permit, approval or other authorization required by law for the performance of an activity
• Day-to-day decisions on behalf of the adult, including decisions about the diet or dress of the adult
• Giving or refusing consent to health care for the adult, including giving or refusing consent in the circumstances specified in the RA to specific kinds of health care, even where the adult refuses to give consent at the time the health care is provided
• Physically restraining, moving and managing the adult and authorizing another person to do these things, if necessary to provide personal care or health care to the adult

A representative under s 9 RA must not do the following, unless expressly provided for in the RA:

• Give or refuse treatment in accordance with s 34(2)(f) of the HCCFA
• Make arrangements for the temporary care and education of the adult’s minor children, or any other person who is cared for or supported by the adult
• Interfere with the adult’s religious practices

Section 34(2)(f) of the HCCFA pertains to refusing substitute consent to health care necessary to preserve life (HCCFA s 18). In a s 9 RA, if a representative is provided the power to give or refuse consent to health care for the adult, then the representative may give or refuse consent to health care necessary to preserve life (RAA s 9(3)). Some other health decisions are also excluded from potential powers, e.g. “sterilization for non-therapeutic purposes” (RAA s 11(2)).

The creation of a s 9 RA no longer requires the services of a lawyer. However, careful attention should be paid to the requirements and powers given under s 7 and s 9 RAs to determine which one best suits the needs of the adult.

Prior to September 2011, a s 9 RA could include broad financial powers, equivalent to those given in a POA. The new PAA says this broad authority in an RA is now treated as if it were an enduring POA, and the representative must follow the requirements under the PAA to use these powers (s 44. 2 Transitional Provision of the PAA).

3. Note on Medical Assistance in Dying

The Criminal Code of Canada was amended on June 17th, 2016, to permit the Medical Assistance in Dying (MAiD) under certain conditions. This means that a medical or nurse practitioner may, at the person’s request, administer a substance to cause their death, or prescribe a substance so that the person can self-administer a substance that causes their death.

Consent given through substitute decision makers, such as representatives under the RAA, and Advanced Directives are NOT sufficient for medical practitioners to provide MAiD. MAiD can only be provided to patients who are able to give consent as of July 15th, 2016.

This is because the College of Physicians and Surgeons of British Columbia’s “Professional Standards and Guidelines” regarding MAiD clearly prohibit consent given through ADs and RAs. The Professional Standards and Guidelines have weight in law pursuant to section 5(2) of the Medical Practitioners Regulation under the Health Professions Act.

For more information on the Standards and Guidelines of the College of Physicians, please see their document on MAiD at: https://www.cpsbc.ca/files/pdf/PSG-Medical-Assistance-in-Dying.pdf

B. Who Can Be a Representative?

Section 5(1)(a) of the RAA specifies that an individual who is 19 years of age or older can be appointed as representative unless that person is:

• providing personal care or health care services to the adult for compensation, unless the caregiver is a child, parent, or spouse of the adult, or;
• working as an employee of a facility in which the adult resides and through which the adult receives personal care or health care services.

The Public Guardian and Trustee can also be named as a representative.

According to s 5(1)(c) of the RAA, a credit union or trust company can only have authority to make (limited) financial decisions listed in a s 7 RA. A credit union or trust company cannot make decisions regarding health care or personal care.

Under s 5(2) of the RAA, an adult can also name more than one Representative either:

a) over different areas of authority; and/or

b) over the same area of authority, in which case, the representatives must be unanimous in exercising their authority.

RAA s 5(4) requires that all representatives for RAs made under s 7 complete a certificate in the prescribed form.

C. Acting as a Representative

The law defines several duties that representatives owe to the adult. There are several statutory parameters with respect to what a representative must do (e.g. consult with the adult) and what a representative must not do (e.g. make a will). Below is an outline of the legal “do’s and don’ts” that a representative must follow.

1. Duties

Under s 16(1) o the RAA, a representative must:

• Act honestly and in good faith
• Exercise the care, diligence and skill of a reasonably prudent person
• Act within the authority given in the RA

When making decisions with the adult or on behalf of the adult, the representative must consult with the adult to determine their current wishes, and comply with the wishes if reasonable (RAA s 16(2)).

If the current wishes of the adult cannot be determined, then the representative needs to comply with the instructions or wishes the adult expressed while capable (RAA s 16(3)). A representative cannot make decisions based on their own opinion, but must represent the adult’s own wishes to health care providers and others. In other words, a representative must “stand in the shoes” of the adult and base health care decisions on what the adult would want.

If the adult’s instructions or wishes are not known, the representative must act on the basis of the adult’s known beliefs and values, or in the adult’s best interests, if their beliefs and values are not known (RAA s 16(4)).

Upon application by a representative, the court may exempt the representative from the duty to comply with the instructions or wishes the adult expressed while capable (RAA s16(5)).

Adults should communicate instructions and wishes to the named representative(s). This should be done in writing (including by e-mail or recorded transmission), but can also be done orally, for as long as the adult has capacity. It is best that the representative(s) know exactly what the adult would want.

2. Delegation of Authority

A representative is not permitted to delegate authority to another person (RAA s 16(6)). The exception to this is that a representative who has been appointed to make financial investments on behalf of an adult may delegate authority to qualified investment specialist, including a mutual fund manager (RAA s 16(6.1)). A representative may also retain the services of a qualified person to assist in carrying out the adult’s instructions or wishes.

3. Accounts and Records

A representative must also keep accounts and records concerning the exercise of authority (RAA s 16(8)). These accounts and records must be produced upon request of the adult, the appointed monitor, or the PGT. A representative who has been appointed to make financial decisions must keep the adult’s assets separate from their own (RAA s 16(9)). An exception to this exists where the assets are owned by the adult and the representative as joint tenants or have been substituted for, or derived from, assets owned by the adult and the representative(s) as joint tenants.

4. Access to Information

A representative may request information and records respecting the adult, if the requested information or records relate to the incapacity of the adult or an area of authority granted under the RA (RAA s 18).

A representative also has a duty to keep information confidential. A representative must not disclose information or records, except where it is necessary to perform the duties owed to the adult, for an investigation by the PGT, or to make an application to or comply with an order of the court (RAA s 22).

5. Creating a Will

A representative must not make or change a will for the adult for whom the representative is acting, and any change to a will that is made for an adult by their representative has no force or effect (RAA s 19.01).

6. Remuneration and Expenses

A representative (or an alternative representative or monitor) is not entitled to be paid for acting on behalf of the adult, unless the RA expressly sets out and authorizes the amount or rate of remuneration, or upon application by a representative, the court authorizes the remuneration (RAA s 26(1)). In addition, an RA cannot authorize a representative to be paid for making any decision under Part 2 of the HCCFA (RAA s 26(1.1)).

A representative, alternative representative, or monitor is entitled to reimbursement for reasonable expenses incurred in the course of performing the duties or exercising the powers. Accounts and records of the reasonable expenses paid must be kept.

D. Monitors

The role of the monitor is to ensure that the representative appointed under an RA is carrying out their duties. The monitor acts as an extra safeguard and support to ensure that the RA is working for the adult

1. Appointment and Resignation

An adult may appoint a monitor to oversee their chosen representative who is acting under a s 7 or s 9 RA (RAA s 12(3)). The monitor can be appointed to oversee personal, health care and financial decisions.

If an adult has a s 7 RA which authorizes their representative to make routine financial decisions, the adult MUST appoint a monitor to oversee their chosen representative unless:

a) The representative is the adult’s spouse, the PGT, a trust company or a credit union, or

b) The adult has appointed two representatives who must act unanimously (RAA s 12(1)).

Failure to comply with this requirement will make the provision of the RA authorizing the representative to make routine financial decisions invalid (RAA s 12(2)).

A monitor must be 19 years or older and must be willing and able to perform the duties and to exercise the powers of a monitor (RAA s 12(4)). An individual named in a representation agreement as a monitor must complete a Monitor's Certificate (RAA s 12(5)).

A monitor may resign by giving written notice to the adult, each representative and any alternate representatives. The resignation will be effective upon giving notice or at a later date specified in the written notice (RAA s 12(6)). See s 12 of the RAA for general provisions regarding the appointment and resignation of a monitor.

2. Duties and Powers

The monitor’s duties and powers are outlined in s 20 of the RAA. The monitor must:

• Make reasonable efforts to ensure that the representative is fulfilling their duties (these duties are set out in s 16 of the RAA)
• Act honestly and in good faith and use the care, attention and skill of a responsible person

However, a monitor cannot make decisions on behalf of the adult.

If the monitor is concerned that the representative is not fulfilling their duties, the monitor must raise their concern with the representative(s) and the adult and try to solve the problem through discussion and communication. The monitor may require the representative to report to them or produce accounts (RAA s 20(4)). The monitor has a right to visit and speak with the adult at any reasonable time (RAA s 20(2)) and any person with custody or control of the adult is prohibited from hindering the monitor’s access to the adult (RAA s 20(3)). If, after checking and discussion, the monitor believes that the representative is not following their duties or is abusing the adult in any way, the monitor is legally required to contact the PGT to make a complaint (RAA s 20(5)).

3. Payment and Expenses

The monitor can be reimbursed for expenses incurred in carrying out their duties (RAA s 26(2)) but can only be paid a fee if provided for in the RA and authorized by the BC Supreme Court (RAA s 26(1)). Alternatively, if the PGT appoints a replacement monitor, the PGT may authorize payment of a fee (RAA s 21(3)).

4. Replacement Monitor

The PGT may appoint a replacement monitor at the request of the representative or other interested person if the initial monitor is unsuitable, no longer able to act or has ceased acting and the adult is no longer capable of making a new RA (RAA s 21(1)).

E. Creating a Representation Agreement

The adult who executes the Representation Agreement (RA) must have mental capacity. For guidance on mental capacity, refer to section I. B. 4: Mental Capacity—Representation Agreement in this chapter.

The RA must also be in writing, signed and witnessed (RAA s 13). The adult and each of the representative(s) must sign the RA (RAA s 13(2)). Two adults must witness the signatures. However, only one witness is necessary if that witness is a lawyer and member in good standing with the Law Society of BC or is a member in good standing of the Society of Notaries Public.

Witnesses cannot be (RAA s 13(5)):

• One of the representatives
• An alternate representative
• A spouse, child, or parent of anyone named in the RA as a representative or alternate representative
• An employee or agent of a representative or alternate representative
• Anyone under 19 years of age
• Anyone who does not understand the type of communication used by the adult who wishes to be represented

Each representative and each witness for a s 7 RA must also complete a certificate in the prescribed form (RAA s 13(1.1) and s 13(6)). Please consult Nidus Personal Planning Resource Centre for more information about prescribed forms.

An RA becomes effective on the day it is executed, unless the RA specifies that it is to become effective at some later time based upon a triggering event (e.g. loss of capacity). According to s 15 of the RAA, the RA must specify how a triggering event is to be confirmed and by whom (e.g. loss of capacity confirmed by two medical professionals).

For more information on preparing documents, consult organisations such as Nidus Personal Planning Resource Centre and Registry. Contact information may be found in section II. D: Resource Organizations of this chapter.

Although there is no legal requirement to register an RA, registration may be done through the Nidus e-Registry. When a person registers, they can decide which organizations can access their record. For more information contact Nidus Personal Planning Resource Centre.

F. Changing, Revoking or Ending a Representation Agreement

An RA can be changed or revoked by the adult at any time (as long as the adult has mental capacity) (RAA s 27(1)). The adult must provide written notice to the representative(s), alternative representative(s) and the monitor. The change or revocation is effective either when written notice is given to each of these persons, or on a later date specified in the written notice (RAA s 27(3.1))

An RA ends where:

• The adult who made the agreement revokes the RA • The adult who made the agreement or the representative dies • The court issues an order that cancels the RA • The representative becomes incapable or resigns • As provided for under s 19 of the PPA

Where the adult who made the agreement and the representatives are spouses, then an RA will normally end when the marriage or marriage-like relationship ends. However, if the RA explicitly says that the RA will continue to be in effect after the end of the marriage or marriage-like relationship, then the RA will continue.

G. Other Jurisdictions

As of September 1, 2011, RAs from other jurisdictions may be accepted in BC. Subject to any further limitations or conditions set out in the regulations, the criteria for accepting an extra-jurisdictional RA is that it must (RAA s 41):

• Perform the function of an RA
• Be made in a jurisdiction outside BC
• Comply with any prescribed requirements.

The certificate in the prescribed form must be completed by an extra-jurisdictional solicitor. Please consult Nidus Personal Planning Resource Centre for more information about prescribed forms.

NOTE: These recognition rules only apply to s 9 RAs for personal and health care decisions. See s 9 of the Representation Agreement Regulations.

H. No Capacity and No RA

Where there is no representative previously appointed and an adult no longer has capacity, various provincial laws apply. The statutory framework of the HCCFA allows for the appointment of a temporary substitute decision-maker (TSDM).

1. Temporary Substitute Decision-makers (TSDM)

In BC, a health care provider is legally required to get consent prior to treating a patient.

• A capable adult can give or refuse consent to health care treatment
• Consent to health care may be expressed orally or in writing or be inferred from conduct (HCCFA s 9(1)). Where a patient is incapable (i.e. due to illness, loss of consciousness or injury), health care providers are required to get consent from a substitute decision-maker. However, there is an exception when urgent or emergency health care is required (HCCFA s 12)
• If the patient has a Representation Agreement (RA) in place, then the instructions for consent will need to be obtained from the representative (HCCFA s 19)
• If the patient has an Advance Directive (AD) in place, then consent may be given in the AD (HCCFA s 19.7)
• If no representative and no committee are in place, then the health care provider will need to find a temporary, substitute decision-maker (TSDM) to give or refuse consent (HCCFA s 19.8)

The HCCFA outlines the specific procedures that health care providers must follow to obtain legally valid consent. Section 16(1) of the HCCFA sets out the “default list,” which health care providers must follow (in hierarchical order) to determine the appropriate person to act as a TSDM.

To obtain substitute consent to provide major or minor health care to an adult, a health care provider must choose the first, in listed order, of the following who is available and qualifies under s 16 of the HCCFA:

• The adult's spouse or partner
• The adult's child who is over 19
• The adult's parent
• The adult's sibling
• The adult’s grandparent
• The adult’s grandchild
• Other relatives by birth or adoption (but not in-laws or step-children)
• Close friend
• Persons immediately related by marriage (including in-laws and step-children)

To qualify to give, refuse or revoke substitute consent to health care for an adult, a person must under s 16(2) of the HCCFA:

• Be at least 19 years of age
• Have been in contact with the adult during the preceding 12 months
• Have no disputes with the adult
• Be capable of giving, refusing or revoking substitute consent
• Be willing to comply with the duties in section 19

If no one listed in subsection (1) is available or qualifies under subsection (2), or if there is a dispute about who is to be chosen, the health care provider must choose a person authorized by the Public Guardian and Trustee (which can include a person employed in the Office of the Public Guardian and Trustee).

The TSDM must act in accordance with the adult patient’s wishes, values and beliefs, when the patient is unable to provide their own consent, and does not have an appointed committee or a representative.

2. Admission to Care Facilities

Part 3 of the HCCFA will come into force on November 4, 2019. This part describes consent requirements for admission of adults into care facilities. If an adult is incapable of providing consent for admission into a care facility, a manager of the facility may admit an adult to the facility if consent is provided by a committee of person. If an adult does not have a committee of person, a substitute will be chosen from the following list, in this order, to give or refuse consent:

• The adult’s representative, if they have authority to give consent to admission
• The adult’s spouse
• The adult’s child
• The adult’s parent
• The adult’s sibling
• The adult’s grandparent
• Anybody related by birth
• A close friend
• A person immediately related to the family by marriage

If no person meets these requirements, or if there is a dispute over who is chosen, the manager of the facility must notify the PGT. The PGT can authorize a person to give or refuse consent, including one of their staff.

In providing consent, the substitute decision maker must consider:

• The adult’s current wishes
• The adults previously expressed wishes and known beliefs and values
• Whether the adult would benefit from admission
• What other options may be available and appropriate or less restrictive to support the adult’s care

I. Note on RAs for LSLAP Students

When a client approaches LSLAP for assistance with creating an RA, students should ask the following questions in order to ascertain the kind of RA that the client needs and whether LSLAP can assist them:

1. Is the client capable of creating an RA? The presumption is that all adults are capable. The test for capacity depends on whether it is a s 7 or s 9 agreement at issue.

2. Why does the client want to create an RA?

3. Who is the client considering to be their representative?

4. What is the relationship between the client and their chosen representative?

5. Are there signs of abuse, neglect or self-neglect? Does the adult have access to community resources? Is there a need to involve a Designated Agency?

6. Which specific authorities would the client like their representative to have?

7. Have they spoken to their chosen representative to see if they are willing to serve?

8. What is the status of the client’s will? Explain that wills do not provide direction or authority if testators become incapable, and POAs/RAs do not function like wills.

9. Would the client like to appoint a substitute or supportive decision-maker?

Students should refer to their Supervising Lawyer if there is any doubt that the client understands and appreciates the RA. Also note that, according to s 3.1 of the RAA, an adult must not be required to have an RA as a condition of receiving any good or service.

If there are concerns that a person may be abused or neglected, or at risk of being abused or neglected, the student should discuss these concerns with the client and provide information and access to appropriate support services (e.g., Seniors Abuse & Information Line at: 604-437-1940 or 1-866-437-1940).

Students also need to remember their legal responsibility to maintain professional conduct and client confidentiality. If abuse or neglect is suspected, consult with the Supervising Lawyer about how to make a report to the appropriate authority. Refer to sections II. D: Resource Organizations and VIII: Adult Abuse and Neglect in this chapter.

J. The Bentley (Litigation guardian) v. Maplewood Seniors Care Society Case

An important case for both Representation Agreements and Advance Directives is Bentley (Litigation guardian) v. Maplewood Seniors Care Society, 2014 BCSC 165. The case highlights issues of consent, the ability of an adult to change their consent from written instructions, and the meaning of health care verses personal care. A discussion of the case is available by case brief through CLE online: http://canliiconnects.org/en/summaries/33208.

This information applies to British Columbia, Canada. Last reviewed for legal accuracy by the Law Students' Legal Advice Program on June 21, 2019.

© Copyright 2023, The Greater Vancouver Law Students' Legal Advice Society.