What is a Representation Agreement?
A Representation Agreement is the only way to authorize someone (the “Representative”) to assist you or to act on your behalf for health care and personal care matters. A section 7 Standard Representation Agreement can also cover routine financial affairs and legal matters.
Who should I appoint as my Representative?
Most people appoint a spouse or partner, family member, or friend, in their Agreement. The law has some restrictions. There are many factors to consider when choosing who to involve in your Representation Agreement, such as: your trust in them, their skills and abilities, and their understanding of your wishes and values.
You cannot appoint:
someone who is compensated to provide health or personal care services to you (e.g. a paid caregiver);
an employee of a facility where you live if the facility provides health or personal care services to you. (These restrictions do not apply if the person is your spouse, parent or child.)
Representatives, alternate representatives, and the monitor are entitled to be reimbursed for reasonable out-of-pocket expenses related to carrying out their duties.
The law says you cannot pay a representative for making health care decisions on your behalf. If you want to pay your representative(s) a fee for other areas of authority, this must be spelled out in the Agreement and it must be authorized by the B.C. Supreme Court.
Learning more about Representation Agreements>>