The role of occupational therapists in medical-legal financial capacity assessments: Key considerations

Presented by: Sofia Salsi  

Individuals with disabilities have the right to equality under the law, and the right to manage their own finances and property (United Nations, 2006). In Canada, these rights may be restricted through complex medical-legal systems where a person’s financial capacity is assessed and financial decision-making rights removed (Burningham, 2009). Occupational therapists play a key role in and bring a unique perspective to these assessments, examining the person, environment, and occupation interaction, as well as the link between cognition and functioning (Alberta Health Services, 2018). However, financial capacity assessments are complex with serious consequences, presenting challenges for occupational therapists (Usher & Stepleton, 2020). This webinar will provide an overview of key human rights principles in relation to financial and legal rights, as well as the financial decision-making capacity and guardianship policies and the roles of occupational therapists in financial capacity assessment across Canada. The webinar will explore current literature recommendations on best practices for assessing financial capacity and the challenges faced by occupational therapists and other clinicians both nationally and globally. Participants will be invited to reflect on the implications of removing legal rights through guardianship and will be provided with key reflections to take away to their practice.

After taking part in this webinar, participants will be able to: 

1. Understand current best practices and challenges related to assessing financial decision-making capacity in Canada and globally.
2. Recognize the differing roles of occupational therapists within financial capacity assessments in Canada.
3. Apply new understanding and reflections to future financial capacity assessments performed.

Level  Intermediate (3-5 years of experience in this specific area of practice