7216 Consent Form – Everybody should be able to make informed decisions regarding their health. Medical procedures can be invasive, so patients should be able to determine the risks that are known to be present and the way their bodies will be treated. Therefore, before medical workers are allowed to provide treatment to patients they need to receive what is known as informed consent.
A patient’s informed consent can be a legally binding condition that requires that a patient be informed of the physical condition and the treatment suggested by the physician who is acting as the patient’s physician. After receiving this information the patient has to sign a consent form with the doctor to treat before any form or treatment can be given. Without informed consent from the patient health care professional cannot provide treatment.
Decision Making Capacity
In certain instances patients lack the ability to comprehend the options for treatment and the potential risks and benefits associated with each one. In other situations patients might not be able to effectively communicate their decisions to the health professionals. Under these circumstances the patient is considered to lack the appropriate decision making capacity. A family member or court-appointed representative in this case, can make informed consent on behalf of the patient.
Patients that are strongly influenced by their emotions, like anxiety or fear for instance – may be determined as not able to make decisions. The ones who are asleep clearly cannot make decisions on their independently, and other people need to consent to treatment instead.
Items in an 7216 Consent Form
There are certain elements that are commonly included in informed consent forms:
The patient’s medical condition or diagnosis
The recommended treatment is suggested by the physician who is acting
The risks and benefits associated with this method of treatment
Alternative treatments are also available, as well as their potential risks and benefits
The risks and benefits that come with refusing any treatment whatsoever
These details must not only be documented in a written document however, they must been discussed by the patient. So, he can fully comprehend the specifics of the situation and will be able to get immediate answers to any concerns that might arise.