Province Takes Action to Better Protect Nova Scotians in Care

The province is clarifying and strengthening legislation so families with loved ones living in provincial care facilities can have more peace of mind.

Amendments from the departments of Health and Wellness and Community Services were introduced today, April 26, to update the Protection for Persons in Care Act, and support best practices.

The changes will help prevent abuse, giving ministers the authority to issue directives to address problems found by staff during investigations.

"This important legislation allows the province to hold administrators of these facilities more accountable for resident safety," said Community Services Minister Denise Peterson-Rafuse. "Amending the act will allow government to direct administrators to make constructive changes."

Josie Ryan, executive director of in-care living at Northwood welcomed the changes.

"As a provider of continuing care, Northwood considers resident safety a top priority," said Ms. Ryan. "Working in partnership with government and Capital Health, providing education and awareness for staff to respond to challenging behaviours associated with dementia is essential to creating a safe environment for residents."

"Families want to know that their loved ones are living in a safe and supportive environment," said Health and Wellness Minister David Wilson. "The changes will help prevent abuse, clearly identifying the ministers' authority to issue directives to address problems found by staff during investigations."

The Protection for Persons in Care Act was proclaimed in 2007. It applies to patients and residents age 16 or older, who are receiving care from Nova Scotia's hospitals, residential care facilities, nursing homes, homes for the aged and disabled persons, group homes or residential centres under the Homes for Special Care Act.