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POWER OF ATTORNEY FOR PERSONAL CARE

In Ontario, you can sign a document in which you appoint someone to make decisions relating to your personal care if you become mentally or physically incapable. The document is called a power of attorney for personal care. These decisions include the right to give or withhold consent to medical treatment. 

If you become mentally incapable and have not appointed anyone to make medical decisions on your behalf, in the absence of any emergency, your doctor cannot give you any required treatment until he or she finds someone with authority to make decisions for you. If you have not signed a power of attorney for personal care appointing someone to make such decisions for you, then the most suitable person will be appointed guardian by court order.

This information is a brief summary for information purposes only and is applicable only in the Province of Ontario. It is not intended to be legal advice. Full and complete legal advice can only be given by a lawyer who has detailed information about your individual circumstances.