AGTA Articles
16 February 2010
The Messenger - College of Physicians & Surgeons of Alberta
New Adult Guardianship and Trusteeship Act
More informed consent options for physicians
New provincial legislation gives Alberta physicians a step-by-step process to make health care decisions about patients who cannot provide informed consent.
Under the Adult Guardianship and Trusteeship Act, physicians can now gain consent from the nearest relative when the patient lacks capacity to make the decision. The process will be used for determining health care treatment or arranging for temporary admission to, or discharge from, a residential facility.
The new process helps ensure more timely care and provides liability protection to physicians.
