What are the key elements of the AGTA?
The AGTA clarifies and standardizes issues surrounding capacity assessment and allows for a range of supportive and substitute decision-making options. These options address the reality that adults have different levels of decision-making ability and that an adult’s capacity may change over time. The AGTA continuum avoids an “all or nothing” approach to mental capacity and substitute decision-making in relation to personal matters. The continuum allows adults to receive assistance according to their needs and to maintain as much autonomy as possible. The continuum includes the following options (from least to most intrusive): • Supported decision-making authorizations: These authorizations are a regulated form and allow an adult with capacity to designate a “supporter” to help them make decisions in personal matters. The authorization allows the supporter to access personal and health information to assist the adult in making the decision. The adult can terminate the authorization at a
