INTRODUCTION AND BRIEF DESCRIPTION
This section defines accredited hospital for the purpose of subsections relating to medical treatment in the Criminal Code of Canada.
SECTION WORDING
287(6) For the purposes of subsections (4) and (5) and this subsection, "accredited hospital" means a hospital accredited by the Canadian Council on Hospital Accreditation in which diagnostic services and medical, surgical and obstetrical treatment are provided.
EXPLANATION
Section 287(6) of the Criminal Code of Canada is a provision that provides a definition for the term "accredited hospital" in the context of Subsections (4) and (5) and this subsection. This section refers to the laws surrounding the offence of administering a noxious thing or injuring, endangering or mutilating an animal, bird, or other similar organism, also known as animal cruelty. In Subsections (4) and (5) of this section, it is a criminal offence to file, grind, clip, or otherwise remove or disturb the part of an animal's body used for the purpose of sensing pain. Subsection (6) of this section is relevant because it specifies the criteria required for a hospital to be considered an accredited hospital, which is a requirement for the purpose of Subsections (4) and (5) and this subsection. The definition of an accredited hospital in Section 287(6) requires the hospital to be accredited by the Canadian Council on Hospital Accreditation, and must provide diagnostic services, and medical, surgical, and obstetrical treatment. This definition is important because it ensures that hospitals that provide diagnostic and medical services, and are recognized by the Canadian Council on Hospital Accreditation, are available for veterinary care purposes. Essentially, Section 287(6) aims to protect animals from unnecessary suffering by ensuring that the veterinary care they receive is from accredited hospitals, that provide high-quality diagnostic and medical services. With this provision, the Criminal Code of Canada aims to promote the ethical and humane treatment of animals. In conclusion, Section 287(6) of the Criminal Code of Canada defines an accredited hospital in the context of animal cruelty offences, ensuring that the veterinary care animals receive is from recognized, high-quality hospitals. This section is essential in upholding animal welfare and promoting ethical and humane practices in veterinary care.
COMMENTARY
Section 287(6) of the Criminal Code of Canada defines an "accredited hospital" for the purpose of subsections (4) and (5) and this subsection. According to this section, an accredited hospital is one that is accredited by the Canadian Council on Hospital Accreditation (CCHA) and provides diagnostic services and medical, surgical, and obstetrical treatment to patients. This section is significant in terms of ensuring the safety and well-being of patients in hospitals. Accreditation is an essential process that helps hospitals to maintain and improve the quality of care they provide to patients. Accredited hospitals are required to meet certain standards set by the CCHA, which includes strict rules regarding patient safety, infection control, and quality improvement. Accreditation ensures that hospitals are properly equipped, staffed, and trained to provide optimal care to patients. CCHA accreditation demonstrates to patients, their families, and the public that a hospital has met the required standards for safety and quality. The definition of an accredited hospital in Section 287(6) of the Criminal Code is significant because it confirms the importance of accreditation in ensuring patient safety. Accreditation is a legal requirement for hospitals under the Canadian Health Act, and most provinces and territories have their own accreditation programs. The Criminal Code's definition of an accredited hospital reinforces the message that accreditation is mandatory for hospitals to provide medical, surgical, and obstetrical treatment. Furthermore, this section of the Criminal Code is crucial in terms of protecting patients from substandard care. Patients have a right to receive high-quality care that meets the necessary standards of quality and safety. The Criminal Code's definition of an accredited hospital provides patients with an added level of protection by ensuring that hospitals providing medical, surgical, and obstetrical treatment have met the required standards of care. In conclusion, Section 287(6) of the Criminal Code of Canada is significant in terms of reinforcing the importance of accreditation in ensuring patient safety. Accreditation is a crucial process that helps hospitals to maintain and improve the quality of care they provide to patients. The Criminal Code's definition of an accredited hospital confirms the mandatory requirement for hospitals to meet certain standards of safety and quality. This protects patients from substandard care and ensures that they receive high-quality care that meets the necessary standards of quality and safety.
STRATEGY
Section 287(6) of the Criminal Code of Canada defines an "accredited hospital" and is relevant in cases where an accused person is charged with offences related to abortion. This section is specifically relevant to subsections (4) and (5) of the Code which outlines the circumstances under which an abortion may be performed. Some potential strategic considerations when dealing with this section of the Code might include the following: 1. Ensuring that the hospital in question is accredited by the Canadian Council on Hospital Accreditation. 2. Determining whether the services provided at the hospital meet the requirements outlined in the Code for diagnostic services and medical, surgical, and obstetrical treatment. 3. Ensuring that the hospital in question is capable of performing abortions in accordance with the Code, including providing the necessary care before, during, and after the procedure. 4. Understanding the potential political or social implications of a case involving this section of the Code, particularly if the case garners media attention or becomes a focal point for activism. With these strategic considerations in mind, some potential strategies that could be employed might include the following: 1. Gathering evidence to demonstrate that the hospital in question meets the requirements outlined in the Code for accredited hospitals, including looking at the hospital's policies and practices related to abortion services. 2. Engaging with advocacy organizations or other groups that are concerned about reproductive rights and justice, in order to build support for the case and potentially work towards changing societal attitudes and policies. 3. Developing arguments that can help to contextualize the importance of this section of the Code, such as by highlighting the potential harms that could result from restricting access to safe and legal abortion services. 4. Working to ensure that the case is handled as sensitively as possible, including by taking into account the potential emotional and psychological impacts on the accused person, their family, and other stakeholders.