A Representation Agreement (RA) is a legal document that lets you name someone to make healthcare and personal care decisions for you if you become incapable of doing so. This can include:
✔ Medical treatments & procedures
✔ Living arrangements (e.g., care home or assisted living)
✔ End-of-life care decisions
✔ Who can access your medical records

Without a Representation Agreement, your family may have to go to court to get permission to make these decisions for you.

A Power of Attorney (POA) covers financial and legal matters. A Representation Agreement covers healthcare and personal care decisions. Many people set up both to ensure they’re fully protected.

Your representative should be someone you trust completely to make important medical and personal decisions on your behalf. They should be:
✔ Reliable – They may have to make difficult choices for you.
✔ Willing & capable – They should understand your wishes and be ready to act.
✔ Close to you – Someone who knows you well and can advocate for your best interests.

Most people choose a spouse, adult child, close friend, or family member.

There are two types in B.C.:

🔹 Section 7 Representation Agreement – For basic personal and health care decisions, often used when someone has reduced capacity (e.g., due to aging or disability).

🔹 Section 9 Representation Agreement – Covers all major healthcare decisions, including end-of-life care and refusing life-sustaining treatment. This is the most common choice for people who want full control over their future medical decisions.

Yes—but only if you authorize them to. In a Section 9 Representation Agreement, you can specify whether your representative has the power to accept or refuse life-sustaining treatments (like ventilators, feeding tubes, or resuscitation).

If you become incapable of making medical decisions and don’t have a Representation Agreement, doctors may turn to:

• Your spouse or family (if they agree on what to do).

• A temporary substitute decision-maker chosen by the government.

• The court, if no one is legally authorized to act on your behalf.

This can cause delays, family disputes, and unwanted medical interventions.

Yes. As long as you’re mentally capable, you can revoke or update your Representation Agreement at any time. We can help you make changes if your wishes or circumstances evolve.

Creating a Representation Agreement is easier than you think. At Mahogany Law Group, we guide you through the process and ensure your agreement is legally sound and customized to your needs.

Reach out today to get started.