Health Care Aide Role & Responsibility - Module 2

Flashcards covering key legislation, roles, responsibilities, and ethical considerations for Health Care Aides in Alberta, based on Module 2 lecture notes.

Health Professions Act (HPA)

Legislation governing regulated health professionals in Alberta; currently, Health Care Aides (HCAs) are unregulated and not covered by it.

Restricted Activities (Alberta)

Specific procedures identified by the Alberta Government Organization Act that can only be performed by authorized regulated health professionals or, under strict conditions, by others under supervision, or when part of Activities of Daily Living (ADLs).

Alberta Government Organization Act

Identifies restricted activities and authorizes regulated health professionals to perform them, also allowing others (like HCAs) to perform some under supervision or when they are part of Activities of Daily Living (ADLs) and thus not restricted.

Activities of Daily Living (ADLs) and Restricted Activities

When restricted activities are performed as part of an individual's normal daily self-care (e.g., patient self-injects insulin), they are not considered restricted activities for HCAs to assist with (e.g., gathering supplies, preparing site, but not injecting themselves).

Delegation (for HCAs)

The process where a regulated health professional entrusts an HCA to perform a specific activity after ensuring proper instruction, supervised practice, HCA competence for the client, and client stability.

Conditions for HCA performing Restricted Activities

Includes that the activity is part of ADLs, HCA is legislated/regulated to do it, HCA has consent and supervision, HCA trained & competent, client not at risk & stable, predictable outcomes, client/family involved, client assessed by regulated professional, and client would perform it themselves if able.

Activities of Daily Living (ADLs)

Routine and/or invasive self-care activities (e.g., oral medications, wound cleaning, catheterization, oral suctioning, assisting with injections/glucometer) taught as procedures with predictable, stable responses.

HCA Assignment Task Checklist

A checklist for HCAs to ensure they are legally, competently, and safely performing a task, considering training, experience, client needs, supervision, and available resources.

Direct Supervision

A health professional is physically present while the HCA performs a task, required until the HCA is competent.

Indirect Supervision

A health professional is not physically present but is available for consultation if the HCA requires help.

Health Information Act (HIA)

Legislation that sets rules for the collection, use, and disclosure of health information in Alberta, allowing clients to restrict sharing information.

Freedom of Information and Privacy (FOIP) Act

Legislation ensuring individuals' right to access their own personal information, privacy, correction of information, independent review of decisions, and public access to records held by public bodies.

Client Confidentiality

A legal and ethical obligation for HCAs to keep all client information private and secure.

Personal Directive (PD)

A legal document instructing or naming a person to make decisions for an individual if they become incapable; must be signed, witnessed, and dated, but is optional.

Goals of Care Designations

Categories of medical care (e.g., Resuscitative Care, Medical Care, Comfort Care) that define the types of interventions permitted for a client based on their wishes and medical condition.

Personal Information Protection and Electronic Documentation Act (PIPED Act)

Legislation protecting the information of employees collected as part of the employment and payroll process.

Inappropriate Use of Technology (HCA)

Actions such as forgetting to log off, accessing unauthorized health records, using social media at work, or posting client information/pictures online.

Protection for Persons in Care Act (PPCA)

Legislation requiring anyone who reasonably believes a person in care has been abused to report it to an appropriate authority, with failure to report leading to fines or imprisonment.

Continuing Care Health Services Standards (CCHSS)

Legislated minimum requirements for health providers in home care, supportive living, long-term care, and adult programs, covering aspects like assessment, care planning, medication management, infection control, etc.

Dependent Adult (Alberta)

An individual aged 18 or older who is continuously or repeatedly unable to safely care for themselves due to a mental disability (developmental delay, brain injury, chronic mental illness, or disease associated with aging).

The Alberta Mental Health Act

Legislation outlining how a person with a mental health disorder can be apprehended, detained, and treated in various settings, and explaining their rights.

Formal Patient Requirements (Alberta Mental Health Act)

Conditions for formal patient status: mental disorder, likelihood to harm self/others or serious deterioration, and unsuitability for voluntary admission.

Occupational Health and Safety Act (OHS Act)

Legislation that addresses workplace safety and increases risk awareness for employees who travel away from the office to meet clients or work in isolated sites.

Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms (HCA context)

Constitutional document outlining fundamental rights and freedoms (e.g., freedom of religion, thought, expression) that may affect the care provided by an HCA.