Privacy and Confidentiality

All clients will be required to complete an informed consent form prior to beginning services. This form outlines information around limits to confidentiality, risks and benefits to treatment and the attendance policy. In Nova Scotia, a person ceases to be a minor when they reach the age of 19-years-old. However, a person may be deemed a 'mature minor' and able to provide consent prior to this age. This will be determined on a case-by-case basis. In situations where a person cannot provide consent for themselves, a substitute decision maker will be appointed.

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A substitute decision maker can be:

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The hierarchy is: (a) a person who is authorized by or required by law to act on behalf of the individual; (b) the individual's guardian appointed by a court of competent jurisdiction; (c) the spouse of the individual; (d) an adult child of the individual; (e) a parent of the individual; (f) a person who stands in loco parentis to the individual; (g) an adult sibling of the individual; (h) a grandparent of the individual; (i) an adult grandchild of the individual; (j) an adult aunt or uncle of the individual; (k) an adult niece or nephew of the individual; (l) any other adult next of kin of the individual; (m) the Public Trustee

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A substitute decision maker:

a) has been in contact with the individual throughout the preceding twelve-month period; or if the individual has not been in contact, a court order has been granted to waive the twelve-month period;

b) is willing to accept the responsibility; c) knows of no person of a higher category who is able and willing to make the decision; and

d) certifies in writing the potential substitute decision-maker’s relationship to the individual and the facts that meet the criteria set out above.

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Please contact me with questions or concerns.