Representation Agreements are legal documents and are governed by BC’s Representation Agreement Act and the Representation Agreement Regulation.

 

A medical representative agreement must be properly documented within the respective patients medical record (at Hilltop Medical Clinic) for any Hilltop patient to enact the roles of the Representation Agreement.

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A power of attorney (POA) document is not equivalent and does not grant medical authority. 

 

What is the different between a POA and Medical representation?

A power of attorney allows you to have someone make financial and legal decisions for you. A representation agreement allows someone to help you make personal and healthcare decisions.

What is a Representation Agreement?

• A Representation Agreement is an essential legal planning document for health care matters.

• It is the only way in BC to choose and authorize your decision maker for health care.

• A representative has authority to help you make your own decisions, assist you with decisions, or, if necessary, make decisions on your behalf.

• See diagram on page 2 for the decision-making continuum.

• A Representation Agreement also covers personal care matters, which are often closely related to health care.

• A Representation Agreement is a personal planning document — it is intended to be used while you are alive; it has no effect after you die.

• A medical assessment or legal professional is not a requirement under the law for making any type of Representation Agreement.

• This is not a Power of Attorney (POA) (Financial or Legal matters) document.

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Who may make a Representation Agreement (RA) ?

• You must be 19 years or older. In BC, the age of adulthood (age of majority) is 19 years.

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Types of Representation Agreements that cover health care matters:

Section 7 (RA7) – For Basic Decisions

• For adults who may already have reduced capacity but want help with everyday decisions.

• Covers routine care like housing, hygiene, meals, and basic medical care

• May include limited financial and legal authority (e.g., bill payments)

• Does not cover decisions about life support or major interventions

• Designed for individuals with diminished or changing capacity
  🔗 Learn more: Section 7 (RA7) Overview

  • Download a PDF Version RA7 
     

Section 9 (RA9) – For Serious Medical Decisions

• For adults who are capable now and want to plan ahead for serious health events.

• Covers major medical decisions, including end-of-life care and refusing treatment

• Does not include any financial/legal powers

• Must be made by someone with full legal capacity

• Often paired with an Advance Directive
  🔗 Learn more: Section 9 (RA9) Overview

  • Download a PDF Version RA9 

 

​​​​Which form is right for me ?

• Click here to review both RA9 & RA7 form criteria and details 
  
  👉 If the adult has some memory loss or developmental disability, and needs help with daily decisions — choose an RA7. The RA7 is designed for adults (19+) whose mental capability to ‘understand’ is in question. The RA7 has a different definition of capability than the traditional one and is unique to RA7s.​
  
  👉 If the adult is fully capable now and wants to plan ahead for serious health decisions like refusing treatment — choose an RA9. The RA9 is for adults (19+) who are considered capable of understanding the nature and consequences of the proposed RA9 at the time of making it. This is based on the traditional definition of capability that also applies to wills, types of powers of attorney, and contracts.

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Content for this page has been created from https://nidus.ca/resource/representation-agreements/​​