About The PPCO
The Protection for Persons in Care Office (PPCO) is responsible for receiving and investigating reports of alleged abuse or neglect in personal care homes, hospitals or any other designated health facility. The Office receives its mandate through The Protection for Persons in Care Act.
Regional health authorities, professional associations and regulatory bodies, and health facility staff and management co-operatively monitor, maintain and are responsible for a high standard of care, ensuring a safe environment for patients and residents.
The Protection for Persons in Care Act is an extra protection built into Manitoba’s health-care system.
The Reporting and Investigation Process
After receiving a report of suspected abuse or neglect, the PPCO looks into the event. Where there is reason to believe that abuse or neglect has occurred, or is likely to occur, the report moves forward as an investigation.
The assigned investigator contacts the patient or proxy (if applicable) and the facility to inform them of the investigation process.
Under the law, a health facility operator, such as a personal care home, may be required to take action as a result of the findings of a PPCO investigation.
Where necessary, referrals may be made to a professional regulatory body (college) for further review of the actions of professionals identified as persons who have abused or neglected. The PPCO may refer an individual to the Adult Abuse Registry Committee if it concludes abuse or neglect occurred.
When suspected abuse or neglect is reported in good faith, the law prohibits:
- Any interruption in the care and services provided to patients and residents; and
- Any action or proceedings against any person, including health facility employees, for reporting suspected abuse.
Any failure to comply with the Act, including intentionally making a false report, may result in charges being laid and fines imposed.
Winding Down the PPCO
The province has announced it will create an independent investigative office that reports to the Legislative Assembly. The new office will provide greater accountability and transparency to members of the public, with full powers of investigation and reporting. Following a period of transition, the PPCO will be disbanded in its current form.
To learn more about why these changes are needed, you can review this report from the Office of the Auditor General and Manitoba’s response.
In the meantime, the Manitoba government is undertaking significant and transformative changes to the way it responds to allegations of abuse and neglect.
To date, this has included:
- Improving and strengthening policies, standards and educational materials within the PPCO;
- Proclaiming Bill 23, which changes The Protection for Persons in Care Act to broaden and clarify the definitions of abuse and neglect that are used to direct investigations; and
- Eliminating the investigation backlog
