Protection for Persons in Care Act is a law to help protect adults from abuse while receiving care in personal care homes, hospitals or any other designated health facility.
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.
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.
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.
If a person's life or well-being is in immediate danger, take steps to ensure the person's safety first 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
When suspected abuse is reported in good faith, the Act prohibits:
The Act also protects caregivers, and others who work with persons in care, against malicious reporting.
Here's how the process works:
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.