Checklist

1. Find out the person's views; do your best to align your decision with what the person wants.

Listen, explore the person’s past and present wishes and feelings including any beliefs and values, for example, religious, cultural, moral or political, that would be likely to influence the decision in question.

1. Encourage the person's participation
2. Consult others

try to consult:

• anyone previously named by the person as someone to be consulted on either the decision in question or on similar issues
• anyone engaged in caring for the person
• close relatives, friends or others who take an interest in the person's welfare
• any attorney appointed under any LPA or EPA, or court-appointed deputy, even when they have not been given the right to be the decision-maker

For more information on LPAs, EPAs and deputies, see Planning ahead using the MCA (783-003).

1. Identify all relevant circumstances
2. Avoid discrimination

Do not make assumptions about someone's best interests simply on the basis of the person's age, appearance, condition or behaviour.

1. Assess whether the person might regain capacity
2. If the decision concerns life-sustaining treatment

Do not be motivated in any way by a desire to bring about the person's death. Do not make assumptions about the person's quality of life.

1. Avoid restricting the person's rights

See if there are other options that meet the identified need that will restrict the person's rights and freedom of action less.