PERSONAL(HEALTH) PLANNING DOCUMENTS

If you cannot make an important healthcare decision on your own due to health complications, that decision should be made by someone who you trust the most; in which case, a clear instruction regarding your healthcare decision is critically important to your family and the healthcare providers.
In British Columbia, a Representation Agreement (Representation Agreement Act, RSBC 1996, c 405) can be drawn up to appoint a representative who may then make healthcare decisions on your behalf, including refusal of life support directives. This is especially valuable for those with no spouse or children, or believe that their children may not be able to come to an agreement regarding your healthcare decisions.
A Representation Agreement can be drawn up to allow the designated representative to handle:

• routine finances;
• less common medical procedures and/or treatment;
• decisions regarding health care, personal care, and limited legal affairs;
• refusal or consent to life-support treatment and care;
• decision for living arrangements for the adult, including choosing a care facility.

Please contact Juris Notary today to ensure that your medical and healthcare decisions are made by the trusted person that you designate.

Unlike a representation agreement, an advance directive does not require another person to make a healthcare decision for you if you become incapacitated; instead, it is a medical instruction that outlines the medical treatment that you wish to receive for doctors and other healthcare providers. Examples would include not wanting to receive CPR or blood transfusion.
So advance directive is valuable when:

• your family’s wishes differ from your own;
• you have no family who could be appointed as their representative;

An advance directive can ensure your wishes are carried out even if you are unable to express them in the future. Please contact Juris Notary for more details on advance directives