May 19, 2015
Manitoba Government Introduces Legislation that would Help Protect Vulnerable Adults, Patients from Abuse by Care Providers
– – –New Rules would Require Employers, Regulatory Bodies to be Notified When Employees Reported to Adult Abuse Registry: Minister Irvin-Ross
The Manitoba government has introduced legislation that would require officials to notify current or former employers, as well as professional licensing and regulatory bodies, when an alleged offender is reported to the Adult Abuse Registry, Family Services Minister Kerri Irvin-Ross announced today.
“Strengthening protections for vulnerable adults and for patients in the health-care system is a high priority,” Minister Irvin-Ross said. “For the registry to protect vulnerable Manitobans, employers and regulatory bodies need to be given as much information as possible so they can make informed decisions regarding alleged abusers who provide care services.”
The minister said amendments to the Adult Abuse Registry Act would set new reporting requirements for the Adult Abuse Registry Committee when it concludes that an alleged offender abused or neglected a vulnerable adult or patient, and the alleged offender’s name should be reported to the Adult Abuse Registry.
“This legislation would ensure employers have access to timely information to ensure the protection of our most vulnerable adults,” said John Leggat, chair, Adult Abuse Registry Committee, and president and CEO of St. Amant.
Currently, the confidentiality provisions of the act do not permit the committee, designated officers (or others in Manitoba Health, Healthy Living and Seniors or Manitoba Family Services), or the registrar, to advise employers or regulatory bodies that an individual has been reported to the registry, unless a request is made by the employer, the minister noted.
“These amendments are in response to requests from stakeholders including family members of vulnerable adults and patients who have experienced abuse while receiving care or service,” Minister Irvin-Ross said. “The amendments will take effect immediately upon the legislation receiving royal assent.”
Information on the Adult Abuse Registry Act is available at https://web2.gov.mb.ca/laws/statutes/ccsm/a004e.php.
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