Most of us hope to die peacefully, able to communicate with others until the very end. Death does not always occur this way. It's not easy to think about the care you'd like to receive at the end of life - but it's important. Making your wishes known ensures that you - and those who care about you - can make the right decisions if you can't speak for yourself.
What is Health Care Consent?Health practitioners need to obtain consent before treating, except in an emergency.
Health care consent is an informed decision in the context of the patient's current health condition, based on communications with the patient (or the Substitute Decision Maker). It takes into account the present health condition and available treatment options.
- You are entitled to know what is your health condition / health problem
- You are entitled to be given information about the treatment options
- Consent from you must be given voluntarily- no one can require you to consent to a treatment
Health care consent can include helping you think through and set goals of care in relation to your present health condition.
In an EMERGENCY, health care providers do not need consent in order to treat. But, they must follow any known WISHES of the patient in respect to treatment.
Advocacy Centre for the Elderly -
www.acelaw.ca Tip Sheet #1 - Health Care Consent and Advance Care Planning: The Basics
Tip Sheet #2 - HIERARCHY of Substitute Decision Makers (SDMs) in the Health Care Consent Act
Ontario Attorney General Resources
The Office of the Public Guardian and TrusteeThe Public Guardian and Trustee has resources that answer many of the frequently asked questions relating to mental incapacity and decision making. These brochures are designed to help people plan ahead, and include information on powers of attorney and living wills, the
Substitute Decisions Act, 1992, property guardianship, and the role of the Public Guardian and Trustee in providing Health Care.
https://www.ontario.ca/page/office-public-guardian-and-trusteeA question and answer document, “
Powers of Attorney and ‘Living Wills’” answers questions about power of attorney for personal care and living wills.
http://www.attorneygeneral.jus.gov.on.ca/english/family/pgt/livingwillqa.pdfThe Office of the Public Guardian and Trustee has a
"Make a power of attorney" page that will help you appoint the person you want to make decisions for you when you are no longer able to do so for yourself.
https://www.ontario.ca/page/make-power-attorneyThis
Guide to the Substitute Decisions Act summarizes the main points of the Act.
http://www.attorneygeneral.jus.gov.on.ca/english/family/pgt/pgtsda.pdf