June 18, 2026

The most recent policy changes include specific language regarding supports for eating and swallowing issues, and greater clarity around food restrictions in Ontario and Saskatchewan, as well as clarified requirements for debriefing and documentation following the use of a mechanical restraint (Ontario only).

SECTION B – OPERATIONS

B.7 ON | B. 14 SK Health Promotion, Medical Supports, and Medication

For people who experience difficulties in eating/swallowing (indicated by symptoms such as coughing, choking or gagging during meals; complaints of feeling like food is stuck in throat or chest; hoarse voice after eating; drooling while eating; pain or difficulty in swallowing), Karis’ policies have been clarified to require:

B.7.1.2 ON Health Care Support Requirements | B.14.1 SK General Health Care Requirements

  • That an appropriate assessment by a physician and/or a swallowing assessment through a Speech Language Pathologist must be sought out.
  • That any clinician-prescribed approaches to eating (e.g., alternative methods of food consumption such as a G-tube or J-Tube and/or that food is required to be of a certain texture or consistency) must be outlined in one or more individual-specific eating/feeding protocol(s) consistent with the clinician’s recommendation(s).

B.8.4 ON | B.15.4 SK Meals and Food Services

  • That individual-specific eating/feeding protocols must followed as directed.
  • That the protocol(s) must be noted clearly in the person’s file (paper, electronic including Personal Plan or S-10:1 Care Plan). Further, the existence of the eating or swallowing issue must be noted in the Risks section of the person’s profile within the Operations case management system (AlayaCare).

B.8 ON | B.15 SK Personal Welfare

Regarding food restrictions (B.8.4 ON | B.15.4 SK Meals and Food Services), we have clarified that, while depriving a person of food is prohibited, food restrictions may occur under a documented medical approach OR as part of an agreed-upon and documented religious observance or fast in keeping with the broader faith and life choices expressed by the person or, as appropriate, in consultation with their family/substitute decision-maker. This is intended to respect person’s cultural or faith practices (see also Karis’ policies commitments to respect a person’s culture and faith).

B.10 Clinical Behavioural Supports (Ontario Only)

Regarding Mechanical Restraints we have clarified that, as with other forms of restraint, a debriefing must occur and be documented after the use of a mechanical restraint.

Peter Wyngaarden, Director of Quality, Research and Practice Initiatives