Cap. 659 Art. 13Hearing the adult.

(1) In conducting an investigation in relation to an adult, the Joint Committee shall communicate with and interview the adult in order to be able to better assess the situation of the adult.

(2) When engaging the adult for the purposes of communicating with, or interviewing such adult in terms of this article, the Joint Committee shall ascertain the will and preferences of the adult, while respecting his rights, by following the requisites listed in article 5(a).

(3) For the purposes of engaging in such communication or interviews with the Joint Committee, an adult may be supported by any one (1) or more persons appointed as support persons for the purposes of the exercise of personal autonomy by such adult and, or by any persons acting as personal assistants to that adult.

(4) For the purposes of engaging in such communication or interviews, the Joint Committee may be assisted by any one (1) or more health and social care professionals having the expertise outlined in article 12(3) as the Committee may deem opportune.

(5) The adult may request that any one (1) or more health and social care professionals supporting the adult be heard by the Joint Committee during the investigation.

(6) Where the Joint Committee considers that the interests of justice so require, it shall appoint an advocate for legal aid to assist the adult during the course of the investigation.