Curatorship, Administratorship & Capacity: Ethical and Legal Considerations in South African Practice

CE courses & credits for psychologists in Canada

Canada: Grasp curatorship and administratorship distinctions for mental health professionals. Informative legal CEU courses.

When an individual loses the capacity to manage their personal or financial affairs, clinicians are often faced with complex ethical and legal decisions. In this practical, case-based workshop, geriatric psychiatrist Dr Dana Niehaus explores the distinctions between power of attorney, administratorship and curatorship within the South African legal framework. Participants will gain a clear understanding of the relevant legal processes, the clinician's role in assessments and affidavits, and the ethical tensions surrounding autonomy, confidentiality, financial vulnerability and best interests. This presentation equips mental health professionals with practical guidance for navigating these challenging situations while upholding patients' rights and dignity. 

By the end of this lecture, participants will be able to:

• Understand and communicate the differences between curatorship and administratorship applications.
• Identify the key role players in and the steps involved in each of these processes.
• Argue around the ethical principles underpinning the need for curatorship and/or administratorship.