Board chair Al Woods said the board has always had a zero tolerance policy on assaults, but a recent incident has forced them to develop a new policy to refuse non-emergency services.

The incident involved a social worker in Fort Resolution who was physically assaulted by a patient.

The extent of the worker's injuries were not disclosed but the patient was charged and will appear in court this month.

In the past, YKHSS has temporarily revoked services for patients who have been verbally abusive but stronger measures are needed as cases have begun to escalate and become more frequent.

"We will actually terminate services in some cases unless it's an emergency or life-threatening situation," said Woods.

"Ever since we acquired Fort Resolution and Lutsel K'e, abuse has become a serious issue.

"We have had staff leave as a result for the most part of verbal abuse from these two communities and they have said they will never come back again."