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![Ensuring Protection For Persons In Care](/web/20061120233714im_/http://www.gov.mb.ca/health/images/ensuringprotection.gif)
An extra safeguard for Manitobans and their families
Manitobans benefit from a high-quality health care system that is
among the world's best. Regional health authorities,
professional associations and regulatory bodies, and health facility
staff and management co-operatively monitor and maintain this high
standard of care, ensuring a safe environment for patients and
residents.
The Protection for Persons In Care Act
is an extra safeguard built into Manitoba's health care system.
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Protecting adults in care
The Act is a law to help protect adults from abuse while receiving
care in personal care homes, hospitals or any other designated health
facility.
For a copy of the Act,
click
here.
Defining abuse
Under this law, the definition of abuse includes physical, sexual,
mental, emotional and financial mistreatment. Any of these,
alone or in combination, is considered "abuse" if the
mistreatment is reasonably likely to cause death, serious harm or
significant property loss.
Duty to report
In Manitoba, it is now mandatory to report suspected abuse
promptly. This means that anyone who has a reasonable basis to
believe abuse is occurring, or is likely to occur, must report these concerns
as soon as possible.
How to report
With the introduction of this new law, Manitoba Health has set up
the Protection for Persons in Care Office.
This office receives and investigates reports of suspected abuse.
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If a person's life or well-being is in immediate danger, take
steps to ensure the person's safety first.
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Then call the Protection for Persons in Care Office's
confidential, toll-free line at 1-866-440-6366
(outside Winnipeg) or 788-6366 in
Winnipeg.
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If you're not sure whether a situation needs to be reported,
call the Office for assistance.
Reporting safeguards
When suspected abuse is reported in good faith, the Act prohibits:
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any interruption in the care and services provided to patients
and residents; and
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any action or proceedings against any person, including health
facility employees, for reporting suspected abuse.
The Act also protects caregivers, and others who work with persons
in care, against malicious reporting.
The reporting and investigation process
Here's how the process works:
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After receiving a report of suspected abuse, the protection
for persons in Care Office inquires into the matter.
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Where there is reason to believe that abuse has occurred, or
is likely to occur, the matter is quickly investigated.
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Under the law, a health facility operator may be required to
take action as a result of this investigation.
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Where necessary, the incident may be referred to a
professional regulatory body for further review.
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Any failure to comply with the Act, including intentionally
making a false report, may result in charges being laid and fines
imposed.
For
more information, please contact:
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The Protection for Persons in Care Office
300 Carlton Street
Winnipeg MB R3B 3M9|
Winnipeg: (204) 788-6366
Toll-free: 1-866-440-6366
Fax: (204) 775-8055
TTY Winnipeg: (204) 774-8618
TTY Toll-free: 1-800-855-0511
E-mail: protection@gov.mb.ca
Training Sessions/Presentations:
To make arrangements for the Protection for Persons in Care Office (PPCO) to provide training or presentations, please contact the office at 788-6366, toll free 1-866-440-6366 or email
protection@gov.mb.ca.
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The information on this page
is also available as a brochure. To order a copy, please contact:
Materials Distribution Agency
Phone: (204) 945-0570
FAX: (204) 942-6212
E-mail: informationresources@gov.mb.ca
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