Policy Bulletin

Policy number and title:

COMMISSIONER'S DIRECTIVE 803 – CONSENT TO HEALTH SERVICE ASSESSMENT, TREATMENT AND RELEASE OF INFORMATION

Why was the policy changed?

The revision resulted from recommendations made by several Boards of Investigation to provide clarity related to consent and involuntary treatment.

What has changed?

Changes have been made to the Policy Objectives, Authorities, and Application sections.

The Responsibilities section was modified to better identify the responsibilities.

Under the Procedures section, the Criteria for Valid Consent, the Refusal to Consent, the Disclosure of Information, and the Need to Know subsections have been modified. New subsections (Medical Emergency Situations, Involuntary Placement for Medical Observation, Involuntary Admission and Treatment, and Sharing of Information and Need to Know) have been added.

How was it developed?

The revisions were developed by a working group in consultation with the Assistant Deputy Commissioners, Institutional Operations, Health Services Executive Team, Treatment Centre Executive Directors, Legal Services, Women Offender Sector, Aboriginal Initiatives, Strategic Policy, Union of Canadian Correctional Officers, Professional Institute of the Public Service of Canada as well as the Union of Solicitor General Employees.

Accountabilities?

Regional Directors of Health Services, Executive Directors of the five Regional Treatment Centres and health care professionals are accountable for compliance with this Commissioner's Directive.

Who will be affected by the policy?

Staff working with offenders in all institutions, including Treatment Centres and Community Correctional Centres, as well as inmates and offenders.

Expected cost?

Potential costs for Physician or Psychiatrist to return to the institution (call-back).

Other impacts?

None.

Contact:

Céline Bissonnette
National Health Service Program Coordinator
613-947-0283
celine.bissonnette@csc-scc.gc.ca