SABS G criteria for catastrophic impairment: a psychological perspective

This article explores the criteria for catastrophic impairment with respect to mental and behavioural functioning as defined by the Ontario Statutory Accident Benefit Schedule (the "SABS") in s. 2(1.1)(g). It reviews the relevant areas of the SABS, along with key arbitrations and court rulings. This article also explores Designated Assessment Centre ("DAC") guidelines and conventions as applied to determination of catastrophic mental and behavioural impairment. It concludes with a perspective from rehabilitation psychology, utilizing the framework and approaches offered in the American Medical Association's Guides to the Evaluation of Permanent Impairment, fourth edition, 1993 (the "AMA Guides"), and offers a comparison with these other sources.