Revised Policy Wheelchair User Fees Approved

Policy Summary 2 Basic wheelchairs for personal exclusive use – if they are medically required and prescribed by a registered Occupational Therapist or a registered Physical Therapist – will be provided as a residential care benefit and not as a chargeable extra.

Policy Summary 3 This policy revision affects all publicly subsidized residential care facilities that are licensed under the Community Care and Assisted Living Act (CCALA) or the Hospital Act.

Background 4 The Ministry committed to a review of facility practices regarding chargeable extras, including wheelchair fees in September The review covered 308 publicly subsidized residential care facilities. The findings of the review indicated the following:

5 Wheelchair fees are the most common non- discretionary medically required chargeable extra. 86 percent of surveyed facilities provide residents with wheelchair purchase/ rental options directly or through an external vendor. Inconsistent practices in the charging of wheelchair fees. Inconsistent practices in providing information to clients on the optional nature of chargeable extras and the need to receive client consent for charges. Varied practices for situations where clients cannot afford extra fees.

Policy Details 6 What qualifies as a basic wheelchair? “Basic wheelchair” is defined in the policy document and further developed in the policy interpretation guide.

Policy Details 7 Who can prescribe basic wheelchairs? Final approval must be made by a professional registered with either the College of Occupational Therapists of British Columbia or the College of Physical Therapists of British Columbia for whom wheelchair prescription is within the professional’s scope of practice.

Policy Details 8 What about modifications and upgrades to a basic wheelchair? What about customized and specialized wheelchairs? These expenses continue to be the client’s financial responsibility.

Policy Details 9 What if a client already has a basic wheelchair? The client can continue using their own wheelchair or they can transfer into one provided as a benefit – if medically required and prescribed.

Policy Details 10 What about maintenance/ cleaning? Service providers are responsible for maintenance and cleaning of all basic wheelchairs provided as a benefit.