Government Seeks Public Input on Personal Directives Legislation

The province is inviting the public, justice representatives and health care organizations to share their ideas surrounding the making of personal care decisions.

Nova Scotians are encouraged to read the discussion paper, about the proposed Personal Directives Act and share their thoughts, questions and concerns.

The proposed legislation would provide Nova Scotians with the opportunity to plan for certain personal care decisions in advance, including medical decisions.

"The legislation we are developing will allow people some measure of control at a time when they are otherwise extremely vulnerable," said Justice Minister Cecil Clarke. "It would also provide families and health care professionals with guidance on how to proceed in the face of very personal and challenging decisions."

Specifically, the proposed legislation will allow an individual to appoint a substitute decision maker for matters of personal care in the event the individual becomes incapable of making such decisions.

"The proposed legislation will allow individuals to give instructions and express their wishes about how personal care decisions are to be made in the event they become incapacitated," added Health Minister Chris d'Entremont.

Personal care decisions include matters such as medical care and treatment, nutrition, shelter, residence, clothing, comforts, social activities and support services.

The public consultations will help the province ensure the legislation reflects the opinions and wishes of Nova Scotians.

Two ways the public can access documents about the proposed legislation and share comments are:

• Read the discussion paper and the proposed legislation, then fill out a short questionnaire at www.gov.ns.ca/just/pc

• Request a copy of the discussion paper and a questionnaire by calling 902-424-6094, and mail a completed questionnaire to the Policy, Planning and Research Division, Department of Justice, 5151 Terminal Rd., P.O. Box 7, Halifax, N.S., B3J 2L6

The deadline to respond is Monday, April 14.